A Victorian man has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison for killing an e-scooter rider in a deliberate and calculated act of violence that shocked the Geelong community. The Supreme Court of Victoria handed down a sentence of 10 years and six months imprisonment, with a requirement that the driver serve at least seven years before being eligible for parole after 11 January 2026. His victim, 31-year-old Bryce Trower, died in December 2023 after being struck by a ute at about 6.40 pm on Foster Road in Norlane, in Melbourne’s Geelong region.
The court heard that the driver, Shaun Baensch, tracked Trower after hearing rumours about an alleged relationship between Trower and Baensch’s girlfriend. In a moment driven by jealousy, he intentionally hit Trower as he was riding his e-scooter home. The trower was thrown into the air and then left for dead. Nearby residents attempted to help him but he died at the scene. Baensch then took steps to conceal his involvement. He removed parts from the vehicle the next day and enlisted a friend to hide the ute at another location. Baensch also misled police, including by falsely claiming that Trower had fallen in front of his vehicle.
Supreme Court Justice Peter Kidd described Baensch’s actions as deliberate and dangerous, stating that the event was far from an accident and deserved a severe penalty. The sentence reflects the serious impact of violent actions and the lasting grief experienced by the victim’s loved ones.
When Everyday Travel Turns Deadly
This case highlights a growing concern in urban environments where shared spaces are used by pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders and motorists alike. E-scooters and similar personal transport devices have become increasingly popular in Australian cities, offering convenience and flexible mobility. But incidents where interactions between vehicles and vulnerable road users end in tragedy remind us how fragile safety can be when respect, caution and responsibility are abandoned.
The death of a community member in such circumstances reverberates far beyond the court room. Loved ones are left grieving, friends are left in disbelief and communities are left asking how similar incidents can be prevented in future.
Why Awareness and Preparedness Matter
While legal consequences are important, they occur only after a tragedy has already happened. Prevention and personal safety remain essential parts of daily life. Whether you are walking, cycling, riding an e-scooter, driving or simply moving through town on foot, taking steps to stay aware of your surroundings, staying in contact with people you trust and using tools that help you reach support quickly when something feels unsafe can make a real difference.
This is where Leelou can help. Leelou is a personal safety tool designed to support you when you feel uncertain, uneasy or unsafe. With features such as:
- Live location sharing with trusted contacts
- One Touch SOS notification
- Immediate support from your network
Leelou gives you confidence and reassurance when you are on the move, especially during evenings, unfamiliar routes or solo travel.
Safety is not just about avoiding danger. It is about knowing you have a plan and support in place so you are never truly alone when something does not feel right.
Take Action to Stay Supported
Violent and avoidable incidents like the Geelong case remind us that safety matters every day. You can take proactive steps to protect yourself, your friends and your community.
Download leelou free here now download.meetleelou.com now to bring an added layer of support and peace of mind to your daily routines.
Your safety is worth planning for. Leelou is here to help.