Alleged teen hoon said cops would back off ‘the more he drove dangerously’
A trio of alleged teen hoons have fronted court after a joy ride saw them cruise around Pakenham in a car stolen from Brighton East. And a magistrate slammed the unlicensed driver’s attitude, who told police he’d worked out how to get officers off his tail.
South East
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A teen hoon told police he knew he could evade them by driving dangerously as they’d give up chase to protect the public, a court has heard.
But the unlicensed 16-year-old’s disturbing mentality only got him so far after officers caught up with him and his two friends as they allegedly cruised around Pakenham on July 15 in a car which was allegedly stolen from Brighton East on July 8.
The three boys — aged 16,17 and 18 — were all bailed after they were allegedly caught riding in the Mazda 3 which police officers saw driving erratically along Pakenham Rd and speeding down Balmoral Way before they lost sight of the group just before 4pm.
But the trio’s escape from police only lasted 10 minutes as they were arrested by officers who followed them in an unmarked vehicle.
A Children’s Court heard the 16-year-old alleged driver, charged with dangerous driving while pursued by police, unlicensed driving and driving at excessive speed, told officers “the more he drove (dangerously)” the more chance he’d get away from them — as officers would pull back to protect members of the public.
The 17-year-old alleged passenger, who was charged with theft of motor vehicle and handling stolen goods, was not employed or enrolled at school and had recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Pakenham 18-year-old and alleged passenger Emmanuel Lual, who was on bail at the time of the chase, fronted Dandenong Magistrates’ Court and faces charges including two counts of theft and handling stolen goods.
Magistrate Tony Burns said the incident was “very concerning” and slammed the 16-year-old’s attitude.
“Driving so dangerously is a real concern … there’s an overwhelming likelihood that (you’ll) spend more time in remand,” Mr Burns said.
“You are the greatest risk to the community, the police and your passengers when you drive appallingly.”
All three teens were bailed to reappear at a later date.
The 16-year-old must stay at home between 8pm and 6am and not make contact with his co-accused.
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au
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