A SEBASTOPOL man who allegedly fled from police resulting in a three-hour air wing and dog squad search has been refused bail.
Bradley Dean Wilkinson, 34, who has been charged with seven offences including careless driving, possess a drug of dependence and two counts of dishonesty charges, was remanded to reappear at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on June 14.
Police informant Senior Constable Ben Fraser told the court police executed two search warrants on May 11 at a Mount Clear and Sebastopol address known to the accused.
He said Wilkinson was present when police attended the Bonshaw Drive address in Sebastopol, allegedly jumping the back fence when sighting police and was located three hours later by dog squad units in a shed at a Webster Drive address.
Senior Constable Fraser told the court police found a trailer of alleged stolen car parts under the carport and a bowl containing 1.67 grams of cannabis under the accused’s bed.
Police also alleged Wilkinson evaded police on May 6.
He has also been charged with stealing a car from a Geelong car dealership on April 13. Opposing bail, Senior Constable Fraser said he had concerns Wilkinson, who had breached a CCO, would continue to offend if released on bail.
When asked by Wilkinson’s lawyer, Rachel Waters, whether her client being placed on the credit bail program would alleviate any concerns he replied ‘no’.
Ms Waters said her client had never been found suitable for the program before, with his placement reducing the risk of reoffending to an acceptable level.
She added suitable bail conditions, including a curfew, and a mother who was willing to call police if the accused breached bail, also alleviated concerns over risk. She said the case against Wilkinson was weak and he would be contesting most matters.
The magistrate disagreed the case was weak, and said the credit bail program couldn’t offer anything different to the CCO he breach.
She said the breach of CCO, which potentially warranted imprisonment, must also be taken into account.
