Dandenong North man faces court for allegedly driving at dangerous speed
A Dandenong North man who allegedly stole a car and led police on a wild pursuit had his bail conditions changed so he could celebrate his 21st birthday in style.
South East
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A Dandenong North man who allegedly stole a car and led police on a wild pursuit had his bail conditions changed so he could celebrate his birthday in style.
Nathan Morgan, 21, appeared at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after he was charged with multiple offences including driving at a dangerous speed, theft, driving while disqualified and failing to stop on police direction.
The court heard Morgan allegedly broke into a Camberwell home and stole items including an Oroton bag, an Apple watch, AirPods and an Audi sedan in February 2021.
Morgan was later spotted by police allegedly travelling at high speeds in Dandenong and allegedly went through a red light in Carrum Downs.
The car was tracked by police helicopters and stop sticks were deployed.
The court heard Morgan allegedly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot to a nearby property where he was found hiding on top of a grow house.
During the hearing, Morgan’s lawyer Richard Jakobson requested the man’s bail condition of a 9pm curfew be removed because he wanted to celebrate his 21st birthday.
Mr Jakobson said the man was going out for dinner then celebrating on a party bus.
Magistrate Costas Kilias said he had “significant concerns” and “alarm bells” were going off.
Despite prosecution’s objections, Mr Kilias granted the bail change.
“It would be a shame … to make an error at this stage before we finish these proceedings,” he said.
“Ultimately he is an adult and if he blows this opportunity, it will be on his head, not mine.”
Mr Jakobson said his client moved out of home at the age of 16 and became homeless.
“That led to substance abuse and other difficulties without having that stability,” he said.
Mr Jakobson said the man, who worked as a removalist, was bullied in high school, had a poor relationship with his teachers and was expelled twice.
Mr Kilias said Morgan’s alleged driving was “incredibly dangerous”.
“He is a work in progress, he needs to keep opening up to people who are trying to help him,” he said.
“It might be a bit slower than others because he has had some fair hurdles in life from a very young age.”
Morgan will return to court on December 9.
