Bendigo man bailed after series of assaults

In a summary read to the Bendigo Magistrates Court, police allege Mitchell Cahill rode his scooter up to a man on Pall Mall about 4:30pm on Sunday.

The man, aged in his 30s, was sleeping at the time but woke while the accused allegedly attempted to steal his phone.

The court heard the victim grabbed Cahill's leg, before he was kicked and punched by the accused, causing bruising and swelling to his face. 

The second incident occurred on Bayne Street at 7:35pm when a female driver saw Cahill slumped near the side of the road.

She stopped to provide assistance but the court heard she was then set upon by the 18-year-old, who allegedly demanded she hand over her car keys.

More court reports

When she refused, he allegedly presented what she believed to be a knife and lunged at her.

She screamed as she was hit and received a minor laceration to the armpit, before driving home to her partner who then contacted police. 

Cahill told police after being arrested for the incidents that he "couldn't remember" what he had done because he was "pretty drunk". 

Defense Counsel Glen Cooper told the court the accused was on antidepressants and had a fractured vertebrae after being in a recent accident.

Mr Cooper also said the accused's partner was pregnant and that he had started new employment before the arrest. 

Police Prosecutor Senior Constable Martin Friend opposed bail and told the court Cahill was an "unacceptable risk" and a "danger to the safety of the community".

Magistrate Michael King acknowledged the allegations were "serious" but said there was "some contention to the charges".

"Given your young age, being remanded in custody would have an adverse affect on your future prospects," he said.

The 18-year-old was released on bail but will need to report to the Magistrate on March 29 for a part-hearing.

"This bail is not a licence to do what you want," Magistrate King said. "It is a licence to get your life straight." 

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