The truck driver charged over the crash that killed 18-year-old cyclist Michael Keating allegedly had methamphetamine in his system, a court has heard.
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Mathew Gray applied for bail in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, charged with dangerous driving causing death.
Mr Gray was driving a recycling collection truck south along Woodward Road in Golden Square when he reached the intersection with Hattam Street about 12.15pm on Friday, June 7.
The truck had a left-hand drive function and there was a give way sign for traffic on Woodward Road.
It was alleged the 41-year-old then proceeded into the intersection at a speed of about 20 km/h.
The truck collided with Mr Keating, who was riding a bicycle, at the front right-hand side.
Mr Keating fell under the truck and suffered fatal injuries. He died at the scene.
The court heard Mr Keating was wearing a fluorescent green top at the time.
Mr Gray stopped the truck at the south-east corner of the intersection.
Police attended and Mr Gray underwent a preliminary oral fluid test, which allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
A blood sample was then taken at hospital.
Detective Senior Constable Ben Oliver, from the Major Collision Investigation Unit, told the court that while analysis of the blood sample was ongoing, early results suggested it contained a "reportable amount" of methamphetamine.
The court heard Mr Gray told police he looked left and right at the intersection, but did not see Mr Keating.
He also allegedly admitted to having smoked about a point and a half - or 0.15 grams - of methamphetamine the night before.
During cross-examination by defence counsel Markorius Habib, DSC Oliver said it was unclear as to whether this amount was smoked at the one time or over a longer period.
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The detective told the court Mr Gray's use of methamphetamine raised significant concerns for the safety of the public, especially as he was employed to drive trucks.
DSC Oliver said a previous employer told investigators they fired Mr Gray for being affected by drugs at work, while another disclosed that they had suspicions he had been under the influence while working. He was working as a truck driver for both former employers.
Mr Markorius told the court his client was willing to provide drug screens if granted bail, and he had started arrangements for Mr Gray to undertake the court integrated services program.
Magistrate John Bentley adjourned the bail application to next month so Mr Gray could attend an appointment with the court integrated services program, which could assist him with drug treatment.
In response to a question from Mr Bentley, DSC Oliver said weekly drug screens, drug treatment and a driving ban would "go a long way" to alleviating his concerns about Mr Gray's release on bail.
Members of Mr Gray's family and Mr Keating's family were in court on Tuesday.
Mr Gray remains in custody.
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