A man accused of a crime spree on Christmas Day which led to a police chase in Golden Point has been released on bail.
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Tyson Bryan Loughnane, 24, appeared via video link from custody at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Tuesday for the decision on bail to be handed down.
Magistrate Michelle Hodgson initially denied Loughnane bail when he appeared at court on December 30 as she considered him an unacceptable risk of reoffending and harassing witnesses.
Defence barrister Tim Hancock said support from the Court Integrated Services Program and an address for accommodation on bail was now available, which reduced the risk.
Loughnane is facing a total of eight charges.
I got the impression he was lacking insight.
- Magistrate Michelle Hodgson
Charge sheets obtained by The Courier show Loughnane is accused of trespassing into a York Street building with an intent to steal on Christmas Day.
Police allege he stole a Kia wagon valued at $40,000 and drove around Ballarat without a licence.
Loughnane is also charged with stealing a Toyota Corolla on Boxing Day.
Other charges relate to alleged offending earlier in 2020 including recklessly causing injury in August, stealing a handbag, phone and cards and smashing a glass bong over a victim's head.
On December 30 the court heard Loughnane had allegedly attended the victim's house over an argument about stolen money.
Loughnane was arrested at the scene of a crash in Barkly Street on Boxing Day.
Magistrate Hodgson said the compelling reasons test for bail had been met due to Loughnane's young age and physical and mental health issues.
She said conditions of bail could reduce the risk to an acceptable level, with support from the Court Integrated Services program including counselling and supervision.
Ms Hodgson said suitable accommodation was also in place.
"While he is still a young man with a number of difficulties, the ball is very much in his court," she said.
"He has now spent 12 days as his first time in adult custody. If that is not enough to deter him from breaching bail I don't know what is."
Ms Hodgson said Loughnane's presentation and attitude at court on the last occasion nearly nearly disuaded her from granting bail.
Loughnane began swearing from the dock when he was told on December 30 the risk of him reoffending was too great.
"It is important he understands he is on a knife edge on his ability to remain in the community," Ms Hodgson said.
"There are strict rules that must be complied with or he will be back before the court.
"I got the impression he was lacking insight."
Loughnane's bail conditions include to comply with the Court Integrated Services Program, not to associate with the co-accused, to comply with a curfew, not to drive a car and not to use drugs of dependence.
He will return to court on February 5.
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