Joe Hunt: Man faces court after allegedly giving police false name

A man facing weapons and driving charges who allegedly gave police a false identity during his arrest has faced the ACT Magistrate Court

A man who allegedly gave police a fake name after being arrested for weapons and driving charges has faced court.

Lyneham man Joe Hunt, 31, fronted the ACT Magistrates Court via video link on Wednesday charged with driving a motor vehicle without consent, possessing a prohibited weapon, driving while disqualified, drug driving and providing a false name to police.

Mr Hunt did not enter any pleas.

According to the Statement of Facts tendered to the court, on March 22 police observed Mr Hunt driving a blue Toyota Camry along Northbourne Ave at 4.20pm.

The car had previously been reported as stolen by car rental company Sixt, who claimed the car which was due to be returned to the company on March 18 had not been returned.

Court documents allege Mr Hunt was arrested shortly after being spotted by police and as he was arrested police found a taser in the driver side door.

Mr Hunt allegedly told police the taser belonged to him and had the weapon for his personal protection.

Supplied Editorial Generic image. The crest of the Australian Capital Territory outside the ACT Law Courts which houses the ACT Magistrates Court and the ACT Supreme Court . Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

After being conveyed to the City Police Station Mr Hunt underwent a drug screening test which returned a positive result.

The defendant allegedly told police he had recently taken “ice and weed”.

Mr Hunt allegedly told police his name was Jayden Taylor Dixon and claimed to be 24 years old.

Court documents allege the defendant made “full admissions” to using another man’s drivers licence without permission to hire the Toyota Camry, possessing a prohibited weapon and using illicit substances.

Police allege Mr Hunt continued to claim he was 24-year-old Jayden Taylor Dixon until officers told him they had matched his identity to Joe

Police allege Mr Hunt’s Victorian drivers licence had been disqualified for 12 months since October.

Special Magistrate Margaret Hunter described Mr Hunt’s criminal history as “horrendous”.

She told the court she believed there was a high likelihood for Mr Hunt to flee if he was granted bail because of the prospect of jail time if convicted.

Ms Hunter refused bail and Mr Hunt is expected to return to court on April 13.