Relatives of a garbage truck driver charged with manslaughter over the death of a pedestrian in Sydney's CBD insist it was "an accident".

Key points: Tuiniua Fine is accused of reversing over and killing George Yuhan Lin on Wednesday.

Tuiniua Fine is accused of reversing over and killing George Yuhan Lin on Wednesday. Police say Mr Fine "ought to have known" the collision had killed somebody

Police say Mr Fine "ought to have known" the collision had killed somebody Relatives of Mr Fine outside court described him as "the best"

Lakemba man Tuiniua Fine was formally refused bail in Central Local Court today after allegedly reversing over 21-year-old George Yuhan Lin on Central Street in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The 51-year-old has been charged with six offences including manslaughter and interfering with a corpse after allegedly getting out of his truck and moving the body before leaving the scene.

The incident was caught on a security camera, with footage showing the truck striking the young man.

Cafe owner Aaron Fleming said he was shocked to discover what had happened right near his shop.

He said he has had concerns for some time about the dangerous alleyway.

"I've been trading here for about seven months now. The alley way is pitch black until the daylight comes up," he said.

"The garbage trucks are wide — it was a recipe for disaster unfortunately. It was only a matter of time."

In documents presented to the court, police say Mr Lin was killed when Mr Fine "reversed a heavy vehicle in a dangerous manner in an area known for pedestrian and vehicular activity while displaying gross inattention and reckless indifference to life".

Police said he also failed to stop and provide assistance "when he ought to have known that the collision resulted in Mr Lin's death".

Outside the court, family members of the accused spoke to media.

"It was an accident, an accident," one woman said.

"He is the best."

It is also alleged the victim was using his mobile phone at the time of the incident but police have been unable to find it.

Emergency services were called to Central Street in Sydney's CBD at about 1:30am after a man's body was found on the footpath.

Police stopped a garbage truck in Kings Cross at about 4:30am and arrested the 51-year-old driver.

Sydney City Commander Detective Superintendent Gary Wood on Wednesday called the incident "horrific".

"It was a horrific incident. A young man in the prime of his life has lost his life," Detective Superintendent Wood said.

Mr Fine did not apply for bail which was formally refused.

He's due to face court again in April.