A 22-year-old man charged with killing a Newcastle teenager in a drive-by shooting has admitted his participation in the event but claimed that the teen’s death was an accident, according to his lawyer.

Decklen Deaves-Thornton handed himself in to police on Friday, two days after the fatal shooting at a popular beach spot in Newcastle, where he was charged with murdering 18-year-old Ekam Sahni.

Sahni had been at the Bar Beach car park in Newcastle with his car enthusiast group when he was shot about 11.30 pm on Wednesday.

Deaves-Thornton’s lawyer Mark Ramsland said Deaves-Thornton had voluntarily handed himself in to police and was assisting with their inquiries.

“Although he admits his participation in the event that has led to the death of Sahni, Deaves-Thornton is adamant he did not intend to kill or seriously injure Sahni with the firearm. He reinforced that in his interview with police yesterday,” Ramsland said.

“[Deaves-Thornton] is extremely remorseful and mindful of the public outcry in this tragic matter. He understands it will now be a case of allowing the justice process to take place.”

He appeared in Parramatta court on Saturday via video link, where he did not apply for bail and was formally refused it. He will next face court on June 18 in Newcastle.

Police said a brawl erupted between two groups in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, opened fire, and drove away.

Sahni was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.