Nathan Hodson fronts the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court for driving, theft offences
A 19-year-old Dandenong father who allegedly led police on an 80-minute pursuit through Melbourne’s southeast was under the influence of meth, a court heard.
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A 19-year-old Dandenong father was released from custody after allegedly leading police on an 80-minute pursuit through Melbourne’s southeast.
Nathan Hodson was granted bail on Tuesday at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court after being charged with theft of a motor vehicle, assault, dangerous and careless driving, failure to stop and driving under the influence of illicit drugs.
Mr Hodson was allegedly involved in a police pursuit on October of last year when he led an Airwing on a high speed chase for almost an hour and a half, the court heard.
The 19-year-old allegedly drove at high speeds — about 150km/h — and at times, on the wrong side of the road, through Melbourne’s southeast while under the influence of meth.
He was on bail at the time of the alleged offending.
The prosecution submitted the risk to the public would not be mitigated if Mr Hodson were to be released on bail due to his disregard for court orders.
Mr Hodson has been in custody for 81 days which, his lawyer submitted, has allowed him to “dry out” and he is now ready to engage in rehab programs.
His lawyer also submitted, the father-of-one is “anxious” to resume full contact with his two-year-old daughter.
The court heard Mr Hodson suffers from schizophrenia and other drug induced mental disorders.
Magistrate Mark Sabljak granted Mr Hodson bail with strict conditions of reporting to police three times a week, engaging in his rehabilitation programs and not to drive a motor vehicle.
Mr Hodson, who was seen smiling when the Magistrate delivered his ruling, will be placed in emergency housing through the corrections program before he is moved into more stable accommodation at a later date.
He is expected to return to court on March 29.
