Alleged hit-run killer of top SA cop's son gets bail

The man who allegedly killed the son of South Australia's top police officer by hitting him with his car has been released on bail.

Dhirren Randhawa, 18, faces four charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, over the death of Charlie Stevens, 18, on Friday night in Goolwa, about 90km southeast of Adelaide.

Police said Charlie died surrounded by family and friends about 7pm on Saturday.

Appearing via audio-visual link at Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Monday, Randhawa's bail application was not opposed by SA Director of Public Prosecutions Martin Hinton.

Commissioner Grant Stevens with his son Charlie Stevens (file image)
Police said Charlie (left, with his father) died surrounded by family and friends.

Randhawa's lawyer said her client would accept all conditions requested by the prosecution, including that he live at his mother Amreeta Stara's home, he surrender his passport, not enter the driver's seat of a vehicle and provide a $15,000 guarantee.

Randhawa's driver's licence has been disqualified indefinitely.

In a statement, Commissioner Grant Stevens and his wife Emma thanked police, first responders and other emergency services workers who attended the incident. 

"The Stevens family also wish to thank the wider community for their support during this difficult time in particular the family acknowledge the dedicated staff at the Flinders Medical Centre for their care and support of Charlie and his family and friends," they said.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the thoughts of all South Australians were with Mr and Mrs Stevens and their children.

"Grant Stevens has served South Australia as a member of South Australian Police for over 40 years," Mr Malinauskas said.

"His whole life he has dedicated himself to protecting others, protecting South Australians from evil, protecting us from disease.

"He has shown extraordinary leadership in some of the most difficult circumstances this state has ever confronted, and it is just so unjust that he and his family have now had to endure this great tragedy themselves."

Randhawa is also charged with aggravated driving without due care, leaving the scene of a crash after causing death and failing to truly answer questions.

He is due to face Adelaide Magistrates Court in March.

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store