A Geelong man has taken responsibility for the hit-run death that claimed the life of 34-year-old Bryce Trower, whose body was discovered on a quiet Leopold roadside in the early hours of a November morning.
Shaun Baensch, 32, appeared before the Supreme Court of Victoria where he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and failing to stop after an accident. The court heard how Mr Trower's life was cut short on Melaluka Road in Leopold, approximately 10km from Geelong's city centre.
The Tragic Discovery
Emergency services made the grim discovery around 5:20am on November 6, 2022, finding Mr Trower's body on the roadside. The circumstances suggested he had been struck by a vehicle that failed to stop at the scene.
Police investigations quickly identified Baensch as the driver allegedly responsible. The court proceedings revealed Baensch was behind the wheel of a silver Holden Commodore station wagon at the time of the incident.
Community in Mourning
Bryce Trower's sudden death sent shockwaves through the Geelong community, particularly in Leopold where he was well-known and respected. Friends and family remembered him as a kind-hearted individual who touched many lives.
The case has highlighted the devastating consequences of hit-run incidents, with local residents expressing both grief over the loss and relief that justice is being served.
Legal Proceedings Continue
While Baensch has admitted to the charges, the legal process is far from over. A plea hearing has been scheduled for September 13, where more details about the circumstances surrounding the incident are expected to emerge.
The case continues before the Supreme Court, with the community watching closely as the justice system works to bring closure to this heartbreaking chapter in Geelong's history.
