Man Denied Bail Over Alleged Hit-and-Run Death in Katanning

A 26-year-old has been refused bail after appearing in a Perth court over the death of a man in the wheat farming town of Katanning last Wednesday.

Benjamin Simpkins was charged with failing to assist after an incident causing death, among other charges.

Prosecutors say Mr Simpkins should not have been on the road as he was under several driving suspensions.

A 26-year-old man charged over an alleged hit-and-run death in the Western Australian town of Katanning had multiple licence suspensions and should not have been driving at the time, a court heard.

Benjamin Thomas Simpkins, from the country town 280 kilometres south-east of Perth, was charged with failing to ensure assistance after an incident causing death, failing to report an incident to police and no authority to drive.

He was denied bail by the magistrate at the Perth court.

DNA on vehicle

The police prosecutor said Mr Simpkins had multiple driving suspensions and "should not have been on the road" when he allegedly struck the 49-year-old victim on Marri Drive in Katanning soon after 5am last Wednesday.

The victim had suffered "catastrophic" head injuries, the court heard.

The prosecutor said the incident allegedly occurred when Mr Simpkins was heading to work in his Toyota Hilux.

The court heard how Mr Simpkins kept driving and did not tell police, but later tried to clean his vehicle.

The deceased man's DNA, however, was later found on the vehicle, the prosecutor added.

The prosecutor said he was a flight risk, with "extensive links in the eastern states" but defence lawyer Ben Jackson said his client had strong ties to Western Australia, as he had a full-time job, is studying law and volunteered at the local church.

Mr Jackson also said his client might have to wait up to two years for a trial.

Mr Simpkins is due to appear in court again next month.