A magistrate has released a man who rammed a police car to a residential rehabilitation facility, warning him it could be his last opportunity to straighten his life out.
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The Bendigo Magistrates' Court heard on Thursday that Zane East, 24, had been accepted into The Cottage, a residential rehabilitation facility in Shepparton.
Earlier this year, East pleaded guilty to 10 counts of theft, criminal damage, three counts of handling stolen goods, five counts of driving while disqualified, damaging an emergency service vehicle, recklessly exposing emergency workers to risk by driving, failing to stop after a crash, dangerous driving while pursued by police, and possessing methamphetamine.
The charges stem from offending that occurred last year and early this year, including an incident in which East rammed a police vehicle that was blocking a driveway, before fleeing.
He also came close to hitting oncoming traffic during a police pursuit in Golden Square that saw him reach an estimated speed of 100 km/h.
In April, defence lawyer Luke Docherty told the court East had long-term struggles with drugs and was homeless at the time of his offending.
East told magistrate Megan Aumair on Thursday that he hoped to see his children again, stay clean from drugs and show people he could be better, once he finished the rehabilitation program.
"Anything you throw at me, I want to give it a go," he said.
Ms Aumair released East on bail to The Cottage, on the condition he live at the facility, not use any drugs of dependence, participate in The Cottage's programs and follow the directions of staff.
"You need to take this opportunity, Mr East, because it might be your last," she said.
East thanked Ms Aumair and said he would not let her down.
He will be sentenced at a future date.
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