Man accused of drug trafficking denied bail at the Bendigo Magistrates Court

Damien Baker, 42, appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Friday.

He has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possessing cannabis, possessing prescription drugs, dealing with the proceeds of crime, failing to stop for police, disqualified driving, and failing to answer bail.

The court heard police attended Mr Baker's White Hills address about 8.30am on Thursday.

Mr Baker was arrested on outstanding warrants.

Police then searched the property and allegedly found six ziplock bags of methamphetamine, which weighed 8.1 grams.

Under the law, a trafficable quantity of methamphetamine is three grams.

Read other court news: Bendigo man Luke Hayden-Brooks sentenced over crash, offences against child

Police also allege a ziplock bag of cannabis, some prescription drug tablets, and $927.85 in notes and coins were found at the property.

Mr Baker was charged and interviewed by police.

He told police the drugs were for personal use and the cash had come from the bank after he had been paid.

The court heard Mr Baker also allegedly failed to stop for police on November 16, 2019.

Mr Baker was allegedly driving in Epsom when police pursued him with flashing lights.

It is alleged he failed to stop and police called off the chase.

Police said Mr Baker's licence was disqualified at the time of the pursuit, although he told officers he was not the driver.

The court heard Mr Baker was also wanted on charges of trespassing, theft, and handling stolen goods.

He failed to appear in court for those matters in August and September this year.

Mr Baker, who represented himself in court on Friday, said he needed bail to look after his sick mother and to have surgery for a sore throat.

But Magistrate Patrick Southey denied his bail application.

"You have a terrible history of failing to come to court," Magistrate Southey said.

"You have an alarming driving history that poses a threat to the community."

Mr Baker was remanded in custody. He will return to court in February.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.