The court heard Lucas has also been charged with a number of other offences including assault by kicking, burglary, theft, failing to answer bail and driving while suspended. Defence lawyer Scott Belcher tendered written submissions to the court which said Lucas had stable accommodation and employment and was at low risk of re-offending if granted bail. 

He also provided sworn evidence from Lucas’s partner and employer which said he was an acceptable risk and unlikely to re-offend.

Magistrate Cynthia Toose granted Lucas bail  under strict conditions, including a ban from social media and the internet. 

“When I read the remand sentence paperwork I was very concerned by the alleged conduct you seem to have been displaying,” Ms Toose said.

“Be under no misapprehensions, if you breach any one of the bail applications, I will revoke your bail and you will be very unlikely to be re-bailed.”

The bail conditions were not disputed by the prosecution. Lucas was ordered to reappear at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on October 27.