A man allegedly found with a 'frightening array of unlawful weapons' on Sunday night, including a gun, six knives, a machete and a homemade taser, will remain in custody.
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Laurie Kirby, 37, was refused bail at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Magistrate Ron Saines said the weapons found in Kirby's car were frequently associated with 'the highest level of violence and crime in our community'.
Police informant Senior Constable Jason Hyde from the Public Order Response Team said he intercepted Kirby driving on Cedar Drive in Victoria Park on Sunday about 6.30pm.
He said he saw a folding knife in the driver's side door and found a wire garrote, a set of knuckle dusters and a steel knife in a sheath in his pockets.
Senior Constable Hyde said he searched Kirby's car and found a homemade taser, two folding knives, a machete, a hatchet and a steel rod.
I don't know if he was carrying the firearms to protect what he was growing
- Senior Constable Jason Hyde
The court heard Senior Constable Hyde found a firearm with a magazine and three rounds inside in a black bag on the passenger seat, with more rounds for the gun loose in the bag.
He said the firearm had been altered, with a shortened barrel and trigger guard removed.
Senior Constable Hyde said he also found a homemade silencer that possibly had been used on a firearm, a scope, gloves, a balaclava and more knives in the bag.
Kirby was arrested and transported to the Ballarat West Police Station where he admitted to owning the items in the car but said he had no idea where the black bag had come from.
Senior Constable Hyde said he saw a photo on Kirby's phone of the firearm found in the car positioned next to another firearm.
The court heard police searched Kirby's Golden Point house and found another firearm, nine cannabis plants and a homemade speargun.
Kirby was charged with 10 offences, including possessing a firearm as a prohibited person and cultivating a narcotic plant.
Senior Constable Hyde said there was a 'severe risk to public safety'.
"I don't know if he was carrying the firearms to protect what he was growing," he said.
"There is also information in the police system he had been observed in Victoria Park putting a scope in what appeared to be a firearm."
Defence lawyer Chris Nicholson said Kirby had a long history of drug and alcohol abuse and had been self medicating with cannabis.
Kirby's father and step mother gave evidence to the court their son could live with them at their home south of Ballarat if granted bail.
They said Kirby suffered health issues that also affected his emotions.
Kirby's father said any firearms at his property were stored in safes and his son would not be able to access.
The father said he would be able to supervise his son as he was retired and spent most of his time at home and would call police if he broke bail conditions.
"I am shocked to find out what he had in his car. I'm happy to have him. He's my son. I love him," the father said.
Mr Nicholson said the court could impose strict conditions including a curfew and not to attend Victoria Park to reduce the level of risk.
Mr Saines said he viewed the prosecution case as strong and it was likely a significant term of imprisonment would be imposed.
He said he was not satisfied compelling reasons for bail were made out.
Kirby will remain in custody and return to court in June.
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