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Guilty plea for culpable driving charge

27-year-old Michael Panayides who killed Dutch woman Gitta Scheenhouwer while she was riding her bike on Chapel Street pleaded guilty to the charge of culpable driving causing death today.

Mr Panayides was driving a stolen Mercedes. He fled the scene of the crash.

He also pleaded guilty to the charges of failing to render assistance, negligently dealing with proceeds of crime, theft of a motor vehicle and recklessly causing injury.

A directions hearing will be held at the County Court of Victoria tomorrow where the next steps for Mr Panayides will be determined.

Culpable driving has a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

Bicycle Network joined more than 100 people at a memorial event for Gitta in South Yarra last year where the Mayor of Stonnington called for the removal of car parking and the development of a protected bike lane. on Chapel Street.

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