A man's alleged offending escalated after eight petrol drive offs and a number of efforts to evade police, ending in almost hitting a police car.
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Zachary Walker, 24, applied for bail at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday, facing more than 50 charges.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Giles Brown said Walker stole almost $1000 in fuel in the petrol drive offs between July and September 2021.
Walker is charged for failing to stop on police direction and speeding away five separate times from July to October 2021.
One time he allegedly sped off from police when they activated their lights and sirens but ended up at the end of a dead end road.
He has shown complete disregard for the safety of the community by avoiding police, driving at fast rate of speed across double lines and running red lights.
- Senior Constable Giles Brown, police prosecutor
The court heard police stopped behind and Walker did a u-turn, he allegedly sped directly at the police car before veering onto the nature strip and avoiding colliding with the car by 10 centimetres.
"He has shown complete disregard for the safety of the community by avoiding police, driving at fast rate of speed across double lines and running red lights," Senior Constable Brown said.
"Police believe the accused is a risk to the community."
The court heard Walker had a learners' licence while driving unsupervised and is also charged for stealing registration plates and items from a store.
He was allegedly found with methamphetamine in his possession when he was arrested on October 28, 2021.
Walker's partner gave evidence to the court that he could live with her on bail and she would be able to monitor what he did during the day and night.
Defence lawyer Andrew Mitra said Walker's rehabilitation was a priority, given his young age, and he had proven in the past he could comply with strict conditions and supervision in the community.
He said Walker would have the support of the Court Integrated Services Program if bailed.
"If he is able to refrain from drug use his chances of re-offending are reduced," Mr Mitra said.
Magistrate Jonathan Klestadt said he decided to grant Walker bail because compelling reasons were met due to the availability of support, need for rehabilitation, his young age and his intellectual disability.
"If you get yourself into any more trouble then you will be back in custody until these matters are sorted out," he said.
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