Supreme Court refuses bail for Ballarat fatal hit-and-run accused
Justice James Elliott refused bail for Luton Murray, 38, charged with culpable driving causing death in a hit-and-run.
Murray was accused of driving a green Ford Fiesta that struck Shane Avery on Butt Street in Canadian. The incident occurred on August 16, 2026.
Mr Avery suffered life-threatening injuries and died. Justice Elliott found Murray repeatedly ignored court orders banning him from driving.
He also had a history of using fake number plates. The judge said authorities could almost never stop Murray from driving.
He was too much of a danger to the community. Elliott said the prosecution case was strong.
Murray has been remanded in custody and is next due in Ballarat Magistrates' Court in January 2027.
- Luton Murray, 38
- Accused driver
- August 16, 2026
- Incident date
- Butt Street in Canadian, Ballarat
- Location
- Third application
- Bail applications
Why it mattersThe court decision protects the community from someone with a history of driving while banned and ignoring court orders.
AustraliaThe case highlights the court's authority to detain accused drivers who ignore road orders in Victoria.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
