Hit-run accused to face trial

A man accused of leaving a motorcyclist to die on the side of the road after a crash in Melbourne's outer west last year has been committed to stand trial.

Andrew Martinez, 25, of Sunshine, pleaded guilty to car theft at Melbourne Magistrates Court today but reserved his plea on 12 other charges, including culpable driving, dangerous driving causing death and failing to render assistance.

The court heard Martinez was driving at approximately 70kph along Leakes Road, Truganina, in a stolen car when the collision occurred about 4.30am on October 7 last year.

Police allege Martinez and his passenger fled, leaving motorcyclist Willem Verhery, 32, from Hoppers Crossing, to die. Two passersby found his body at about 6am.

Residents told police they heard the sound of a collision then an argument between two men.

Magistrate Paul Smith remanded Martinez in custody to appear in the County Court on August