Man allegedly bragged about having 'killed someone' after hit-and-run

The following story contains language that may offend some readers.

A man who allegedly struck and killed a 57-year-old man with his car in Alice Springs before driving away later bragged about being "a mad c***" for having "killed someone", a court has heard.

Aaron Kemp, 20, faced the Alice Springs Local Court yesterday, charged with hit-and-run driving causing death following the fatal crash on Len Kittle Drive in May.

He is also charged with driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle without a licence while under the influence of alcohol.

Prosecutor Devender Anand told the court there were witnesses in the car who told police Mr Kemp was under the influence of alcohol and cannabis at the time the man was struck.

Mr Anand said one of the witnesses had reported Mr Kemp saying, "I thought I hit a ditch or something" but he "did not bother to stop the car".

"The witnesses also stated in their statements that the defendant was unable to maintain steady control of the vehicle," he said.

Mr Anand said DNA had also been found on the vehicle's fuel tank, which was later confirmed to be a match for the dead man.

Mental health concerns

In applying for bail, defence lawyer Kimberly Hammerton said Mr Kemp's family had provided a letter of support and would "ensure that he has a safe and supportive environment" if released.

"Mr Kemp instructs me he wishes to stay put, to reside at home and really not leave the house," she said.

"The bail proposal is the strongest that it can be without Mr Kemp residing in a bail facility or a quasi-custodial environment, but the proposal really sees him stay put, stay at home and enter into the guidance and the care of his family."

Ms Hammerton said her client would be facing a lengthy stint on remand if bail was refused and his family was "very concerned" about his mental health "given that he's such a young person in custody for such a serious and obviously devastating matter".

"These matters affect the whole community, and he's well aware of that," she said.

"It's a very significant thing for him to be going through, and for someone at such a young age to be remanded for such a long time is very trying on his mental health."

Accused 'handed himself in'

In response, Mr Anand said Mr Kemp had a criminal history in South Australia, including theft and breaches of bail and would be a flight risk.

"He has strong ties in South Australia, where he resides, and if he is released on bail it is highly likely that he will return to South Australia and will not attend court proceedings," he said.

Ms Hammerton countered that Mr Kemp had "handed himself in" and while he "may have ties to South Australia, that does not mean that he will flee the jurisdiction".

"He heard that there was trouble and the police wanted to speak to him and he's come all the way from Port Augusta to attend the police station," she said.

In refusing bail, Judge Jon Bortoli said the prosecution case "does appear to be strong", noting the DNA evidence taken from the car.

"There is also, it appears, three other witnesses that have put Mr Kemp in the driver's seat," he said.

"I am also concerned that there are allegations about the group having taken the vehicle without permission from an aunt, as well as a quote attributed to the defendant at some time after this incident where he's quoted as saying, 'I killed someone, that's what you call a mad c***.'"

Mr Kemp was remanded in custody and will return to court on December 3.