The man who struck and killed a 12-year-old boy in Sydney's south on Friday when he allegedly ran a red light will remain behind bars after he was refused bail by a Sydney court.

Rabih, or Rabea, Abdul Rahman was arrested on Friday after he allegedly hit the Year 7 student who was crossing the road on his way to school in Hurstville.

The 36-year-old has been charged with manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning death, driving disqualified and other traffic offences.

On Saturday it emerged that Abdul Rahman was serving a jail term in the community for driving under the influence of drugs, prompting a review by NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman.