By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A SERIAL disqualified driver and ice-addict allegedly caught driving with a traffickable amount of cannabis in Cranbourne has been granted bail under strict conditions.
Jonathon Louis Dikmans, 24, of Boronia, had been on bail for just nine days when intercepted during a police pursuit in Cranbourne on 26 July, a court heard on Monday.
He had been disqualified from driving for four years in March 2012.
Police chased Dikmans’ blue Falcon, which had allegedly entered the Thompsons and Narre Warren-Cranbourne roads roundabout at speed at 2.52pm.
The accused was allegedly weaving in and out of traffic as he tried to evade police on Thompsons Road.
His car allegedly contained cannabis, digital scales, a glass pipe, sales ledger and deal bags, with a prohibited weapon – a hatchet – in the rear.
He was also charged with dangerous and careless driving, driving with false number plates, driving an unregistered vehicle and drug-driving over several overtaking close-shaves that ended in a two-car crash in the Yarra Valley on 7 June.
The accused – who soon after testing positive for methamphetamine – had veered to the wrong side of York Road, Mount Evelyn, “for an unknown reason” colliding with the driver’s door of another vehicle, police alleged.
Dikmans was also accused of a petrol drive-off in Seville on 28 May.
Police alleged Dikmans had been using drugs heavily for seven years; he smoked about three grams of cannabis a day and was using ice fortnightly.
Police informant Constable Mark Floyd told the court Dikmans had shown a complete disregard for the court and was a danger on the road.
“He has been suspended for a long time and continues to drive despite this.
“If he has any access to a vehicle, he’ll continue to offend.”
Dikmans’ defence lawyer said the applicant’s drug use, which was behind the offending, would be tackled through the therapeutic CREDIT bail program.
The program would include treatment, counselling and a screening for an acquired brain injury.
The court heard Dikmans was awarded a $180,000 payout from the TAC after being injured as a passenger in a crash last year.
He had suffered more than 40 per cent impairment, including steel plates in his ankles and a head injury.
Dikmans was bailed to reside with his father, who told the court that the applicant had turned to drugs last year after a heavy drinking regime.
“When his mother passed, it was like he used the drugs to get off the alcohol.
“I think he just needs counselling.”
The father said he had one working vehicle with four others “in bits”. As a precaution, he’d take all car keys with him to work.
“I’ll drag him to work with me (as a labourer). He won’t have a choice.”
Magistrate Jack Vandersteen granted bail given the good impression by the applicant’s father.
“You need to be with your father who won’t expose you to any risk.
“You need to go to bed tired and get up tired.”
As part of his bail, Dikmans must report tri-weekly to police, reside with his father, and comply with a night curfew, CREDIT bail conditions and pass fortnightly drug tests.
He must not drive a vehicle, consume alcohol or drugs, or associate with his allegedly drug-using girlfriend.
“The driving is the most serious (issue),” Mr Vandersteen said.
“What’s behind this is a member of the public (possibly) being hurt.”
Dikmans was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 3 September.
