Jamaine Baksh, 22, appeared at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court yesterday facing numerous driving offences from December 1 last year.
Mr Baksh was allegedly involved in an incident on the corner of Stanley St and Archer St in Shepparton on May 22 this year, in which a stolen car he was driving lost control at high speed and struck a property causing major damage to the house and fencing.
Charges relating to the incident include failure to stop when directed by police, reckless conduct driving at high speed, driving while disqualified, using a vehicle without number plates, failure to report the accident and theft of a car while on bail.
Mr Baksh was arrested on May 30 and has been remanded at the Metropolitan Remand Centre, awaiting drug rehabilitation options before a bail application hearing.
Defence lawyer Emma King said it was her client's decision to enter drug rehabilitation.
Located in Toolamba, Yitjawudik Recovery Centre agreed to accept Mr Baksh into their facility as part of the bail application.
Police prosecutor Kevin Taggart told the court police were concerned by the choice of rehabilitation centre due to its close proximity to Mooroopna.
"The last time he got bail, he reported for a few days and then stopped reporting," Mr Taggart said.
"There isn't an order that he's abided by.
"He keeps driving and keeps putting the community at risk."
Mr Taggart called police informant First Constable Simon Bingham to the witness stand.
First Const Bingham, who attended the incident on May 22, said the "chaotic scene" indicated that the accused "will stop at no ends to avoid police apprehension".
"The fact that he ran from the scene shows that he is happy to do whatever it takes," he said.
"My concern is that if he is able to leave this facility, the danger to the community in my opinion is just too great."
Yitjawudik Recovery Centre manager Brook Perry told the court the facility was manned by staff 24/7.
Mr Perry said it was important for Mr Baksh to remain "on country" and participate in a number of men's behavioural programs.
He confirmed Mr Baksh would be under constant supervision by a staff member and assured that police would be contacted if he breached any orders imposed by the court.
Mr Taggart said he understood the significance of cultural awareness for Mr Baksh, who identifies as an Aboriginal man, but was concerned that the facility would not provide enough drug rehabilitation support.
"We do not want to stop him from doing what cultural things he can," he said.
Magistrate John O'Callaghan granted the bail application with a number of reporting conditions.
Mr Baksh will be required to report to Shepparton police station twice a week, must live at Yitjawudik Recovery Centre in Toolamba, must not leave the facility without a staff member, cannot drive a car and must comply with all lawful directions and orders of staff at the centre.
Mr O'Callaghan referred to Mr Perry and his organisation as "a lifeline" for the accused.
"Because of you, he is getting bail," he said.
Mr O'Callaghan emphasised the importance of this opportunity for Mr Baksh.
"The world changes from today," he said.
"From today, what they tell you to do, you will do. If you breach any of these conditions, they'll report you.
"Your options after that are just about nil."
Mr Baksh's matters were further adjourned until October 4.
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