A MAN accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of goods from local businesses was pushed from a moving car by his alleged drug dealer, a court has heard.
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David Becker, 22, of Sebastopol, allegedly wanted to purchase ice when he got into “an associate’s car” last Friday in Greenhalghs Road, Delacombe, about 2.20pm, Ballarat Magistrates Court heard on Monday.
Opposing Becker’s application for bail, a police informant told the court that officers observed the pair in the car and began a pursuit, with police having to “brake heavily” a short time later to avoid Becker, who had been pushed from the car.
The informant said Becker was searched and allegedly found to be in possession of ice, a glass pipe and items allegedly stolen from the Gold Museum earlier on Friday.
Becker, who was eventually granted bail on Monday, is accused of carrying out a string of recent thefts around Ballarat, with the court hearing he was interviewed in relation to the theft of a ring from the Michael Hill jewellery shop on Armstrong Street South.
Becker is also charged over a theft from Harvey Norman in which he allegedly stole a laptop and speaker, worth more than $1500.
The informant said she was concerned Becker would reoffend if released on bail.
“He has been bailed twice already and on both occasions he has not attended court,” the officer told magistrate Cynthia Toose.
But Becker’s defence lawyer Alex Cini said his client had been deemed suitable for a credit bail program, which would address issues such as substance abuse.
Mr Cini called Becker’s ex-partner and mother, who gave evidence they would alert police if Becker was to breach bail conditions.
The magistrate said the evidence of the two women had been “quite compelling”, agreeing to release Becker due to his young age and stable accommodation with his mother.
“You’re 22, this is your crossroads,” Ms Toose said.
Becker was bailed and ordered to reappear in Ballarat Magistrates Court on May 25.