A man who allegedly stole cars within weeks of completing his parole, and was allegedly arrested with knives and ammo in another stolen car, has been denied bail.
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Sam Heywood, 28, was arrested on Sunday after police received several reports of a car allegedly being driven erratically on Cuthberts Road in Alfredton.
A search of the vehicle, which was allegedly stolen from Beaufort and bearing number plates stolen from Roxburgh Park, allegedly revealed bullets, a shotgun cartridge, a samurai sword, knuckledusters, and knives hidden in panels, as well as a quantity of cannabis.
Heywood was also charged with other offences dating back to June, including allegedly being found with a car stolen from Europcar Wendouree in Anglesea, and allegedly driving around Ballarat in a vehicle stolen from Haddon in August.
Heywood was released on parole in May 2020, after being jailed by the County Court for serious offending in 2017 - he completed his parole, which included ankle bracelet and weekly drug testing conditions, in May 2021.
Appearing at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, his defence lawyer submitted Heywood could be bailed to his father's address in Elmhurst, to work on a farm, and his father told the court he would phone police if Heywood breached any conditions.
His father noted Heywood returned to using drugs about eight to 10 weeks ago, and had been living alone in Ararat since his release from custody.
His defence lawyer said risks of reoffending could be addressed with strict bail conditions, including referrals to community health services and drug screening.
Magistrate Noreen Toohey said given Heywood's history, she was not satisfied.
"He was someone who was sentenced to nearly five years, and was released in May 2020, he completed parole in May 2021, and throughout that time, there were ankle bracelets and regular testing - the alleged offending commences, according to summary, on June 15 2021," she said.
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"I'm concerned about items located inside the vehicle, and even if I was dealing with only that matter, let alone other matters ... the matter of 12 September (the dangerous driving and weapons allegations) is so serious, given it has to be seen in context of previous offending.
"I'm not satisfied he'd be an acceptable risk."
Heywood will return to court in October.
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