A DRINK driver on bail for driving and drug offences rammed his car into a police vehicle while attempting to evade officers, a court has heard.
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Eaglehawk resident Robert May faced a bail hearing in Bendigo Magistrates Court on Monday over 15 driving, resisting police, and weapons charges.
Prosecutor Martin Friend said police attempted to stop a Nissan Pathfinder being driven by Mr May, who was wanted for bail breaches, on Sunday.
Constable Friend said officers blocked Mr May from exiting a driveway off Ellis Street, Flora Hill.
“The accused attempted to drive out of the driveway into the path of the informant but couldn’t get around,” he said.
“He reversed the vehicle at speed into the front of the police vehicle that Acting Sergeant (Peter) Dyer was driving, causing moderate damage.
“The accused drove off again along the driveway into a dead end and collided with several wooden bollards, which caused the vehicle to lift off the ground and collide with a parked vehicle.”
The court heard Mr May, who had a male passenger, resisted police attempts to arrest him and was sprayed with OC foam.
Police found a small pocket knife in Mr May’s shorts before taking him to Bendigo Police Station, the court heard.
“At 9.51pm the accused furnished a sample of his breath for analysis,” Constable Friend said.
“The result showed the accused had a breath alcohol concentration of 0.124.
“Further checks identified that the accused is currently on bail for unlicensed driving, careless driving and (possessing) cannabis.
“The accused also had two warrants for his arrest for failing to answer bail on two separate dates.”
Defence lawyer Marcus Williams said Mr May’s aunt had died two days before Christmas which had “sent him into mourning”.
He said his client had panicked and had not tried to ram the police vehicle deliberately.
Magistrate Richard Wright noted holding cell issues and bailed Mr May to court February 24.