A truck driver accused of causing a freeway crash in which a man died was attempting to take his own life at the time and remains at risk of self-harm, a court has heard.
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Michael Brian Templeton, 30, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday following Thursday's five-vehicle collision on the Calder Freeway in Taylors Lakes, in which Kari-Pekka Maunus, 49, died.
Police allege Mr Templeton was attempting to take his own life when he swerved his tip truck erratically on the in-bound section of the freeway and collided with Mr Maunus' ute.
Mr Templeton had tested positive to the drug ice after the crash, the court heard on Saturday.
On Tuesday, defence counsel Alex Turner said his client was still at risk of self-harm and was not taking any medication. There was evidence of drug use before the crash, Mr Turner said.
Mr Templeton, who appeared via video link from prison, faces five charges, including culpable driving causing death and reckless conduct endangering death.
He is due to return to court on June 27.