Kenneth Wayne Grant on Monday appeared in Burwood Local Court where he was granted conditional bail after he was charged on the weekend with dangerous driving occasioning death and failing to stop offences.

The 70-year-old retired police officer - who previously lived alone - must reside with his son Troy in Chiswick, report to Gladesville police station on a weekly basis and not drink alcohol.

Police allege Grant hit and killed his friend Tony Greenfield with his ute about 11.30pm on November 30 at Flat Road in the Maitland suburb of Bolwarra.

The 62-year-old scientist died of his injuries at Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital.

"He (Grant) offered to trade his own life to bring Tony back ... that's not possible," former deputy premier Troy Grant told reporters outside court.

"The only thing we can do is try and get his family and everyone the answers as to how and why this tragedy has occurred, and that journey starts today."

Grant spent Sunday night behind bars after he was refused bail at Ryde police station by Sergeant Robert Dickinson, who stated the elderly man had committed a serious offence and could endanger the community.

Sgt Dickinson's reasons for denying bail - tendered to the court on Monday - reveal police pursued Grant, who was driving with two flat tyres after he fled the scene in late November.

When he was eventually removed from his ute, Grant announced his son was an "ex-police minister", the court documents state.

Sgt Dickinson said Grant had "shown no remorse towards the victim or the victim's family after the commission of the offence".

The deceased's wife, he wrote, was concerned Grant would continue to abuse alcohol and drive under the influence if released.

But magistrate Lisa Stapleton on Monday said Grant had no criminal history, strong community ties, no criminal associations and was a "man of impeccable character".

The magistrate noted the 70-year-old had allegedly committed a "serious offence" that resulted in someone's death.

However, Ms Stapleton said if he'd been refused bail, Grant would potentially be in custody for more than 12 months with a custodial sentence likely to follow any trial,

He posed only a "slight flight risk", she added.

The court heard Grant may have cognitive impairment issues requiring investigation.

Detectives say Grant's gold Mazda was spotted after he'd hit Mr Greenfield, but the driver ignored officers and a pursuit began.

The low-speed chase ended on Maitland's High Street after the vehicle mounted the footpath.

NSW Police have previously said Grant returned a positive roadside breath test and a subsequent analysis returned a reading of 0.108.

He was initially charged with a mid-range drink-driving offence and driving recklessly while not stopping for police.

After further investigations, he was charged with the more serious offences on Sunday.

Grant, whose licence has been suspended, is next due to face Maitland Local Court on December 18.

Australian Associated Press