A young driver flipped his car after crashing into three other cars outside a Darley swim centre with parents and children walking nearby on a busy Thursday afternoon.
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Mitchell Winch, 19, had his licence for two months before he allegedly sped in a built up residential area on Holts Lane in Darley about 5.35pm.
He allegedly lost control, collided with three cars and flipped his car, causing it to land on its roof outside the Paul Sadler Swimming Centre.
Winch applied for bail at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Police informant Senior Constable Charmaine St John said multiple pedestrians were nearby, including parents and children coming out of the swimming centre.
The court heard Winch allegedly ran from the car and hid items including zip lock bags, a baseball bat and pills nearby.
Winch returned to the car where he was arrested and police found the items he had hidden.
The car was approximately 10 to 15 minutes away from the pool centre.
- Senior Constable Charmaine St John
Police suspected Winch was under the influence of drugs and completed an oral fluid test. Analysis is currently underway.
Police searched the car in Ballan where it was towed to the next day and found a meat cleaver in the glove box and a baton in the boot.
The court heard Winch was transported to Royal Melbourne Hospital and was held there overnight due to concerns about his drug intake.
Senior Constable St John said Winch placed young children and other people in danger with his driving.
She said Winch was on bail at the time after he was found with drugs, weapons and ammunition on August 2.
"The car was approximately 10 to 15 metres away from the pool centre," she said.
"There were multiple people leaving that area and there were pedestrians walking along the footpath at the time.
"Speaking to him afterwards I do think he understood the seriousness of the offending.
"I hope this is a wake up call for him to do the right thing."
The court heard Winch has no prior criminal history and could live with his mother in Sunbury.
Magistrate Letizia Torres granted Winch bail with an intention for Youth Justice to provide support for drug abuse.
"Clearly he needs some assistance with his drug use and lifestyle choices," she said.
"I am encouraged by the level of insight he expressed to police officers and am confident the risk can be mitigated with bail conditions."
Ms Torres said Winch was lucky to be getting out of custody today.
"These are extremely serious matters. It was very dangerous," she said.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
