By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A MAN allegedly found slumped behind the wheel of a stolen car in Cranbourne South has been refused bail.
Robert Barden of Somerville struggled with police and demanded to see his family as he was led from his unsuccessful in-person bail hearing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Monday 5 October.
The court heard that Cranbourne police had found Barden inside the locked and running Holden Cruze sedan with allegedly false number plates earlier that day.
Police informant Constable Allison Johnston alleged that when a “dazed” Barden got out of the car, a round of cartridge ammunition was found in the drivers-side door.
A further search of the car uncovered cannabis in a plastic deal bag and a large kitchen knife sheathed in cardboard inside a green duffel bag, the court heard.
Tools including a screwdriver, pliers and a hammer were also allegedly found.
At the time, there were two outstanding warrants for Barden’s arrest for failing to answer bail.
Barden allegedly gave a largely “no comment” police interview, except for saying the cannabis was for his personal use and that he’d failed to appear in court due to family commitments.
Const Johnston said Barden was still to face two other vehicle-theft charges, and presented “16 pages” of prior convictions to the court.
Barden told the court he understood the “severity” of the charges as well as breaching his current community corrections order but hadn’t had “much support to do with my criminal history”.
“I’ve had a drug problem since I was 15 years old and nothing’s been done about it.”
Barden submitted he could be placed on the therapeutic CREDIT bail program, which would allow him to also care for an ailing close relative.
Magistrate Julie O’Donnell said Barden’s re-offending while on a community corrections order – which included drug treatment and judicial monitoring – was “aggravating and concerning to the court”.
She noted the applicant’s criminal history, which dated back to 2001, included “constant offending” this year.
Barden was remanded in custody to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 26 October.
