A man who rammed a police car, led officers on a high-speed chase in Bendigo and committed multiple thefts will spend no further time in jail after spending time working on his rehabilitation.
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Zane East was sentenced in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court to 177 days' imprisonment, already served, as well as an 18-month community corrections order that will see him undertake drug abuse, mental health and offender behaviour treatment and programs.
He was sentenced for a spate of crimes committed between September and January, which included the thefts of vehicles and other items, handling stolen goods, possessing methamphetamine, and driving while disqualified.
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Last December East reversed into a police vehicle that was blocking his exit from a driveway in North Bendigo, causing enough damage that the vehicle was towed from the scene.
The following month, he drove at police officers on a stolen motorbike and only swerved to avoid them at the last moment.
That same month, he failed to stop for police after they activated their lights and sirens and reached an estimated 100 km/h in Booth Street, Golden Square as he fled the officers, almost colliding head-on with an oncoming vehicle.
East pleaded guilty in April to numerous charges arising from these crimes, but his sentencing was postponed while he sought rehabilitation for his drug use.
On Tuesday, magistrate Megan Aumair said she had received a "largely positive" report from the rehabilitation facility East had attended, although it was disappointing he had not completed the program.
The report said East had demonstrated a commitment to his rehabilitation and appeared to have a "strong desire" to live a life free from drugs.
The court had previously heard East began using illicit drugs at the age of 12 and had cognitive impairments.
"You've come a long way, Mr East, and I'm going to give you an opportunity to continue, but it doesn't stop today," Ms Aumair said.
She said East had received a significant discount on his sentence because of his efforts on rehabilitation.
In addition to the sentence, East was banned from driving for two years.
He was also in breach of an earlier community corrections order.
Ms Aumair said East, had he not pleaded guilty but been found so, would have received an 18-month jail term, with a minimum period of 14 months.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
