Ayom Deng fronts Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in bail application over dangerous driving
An alleged member of a youth crime gang has begged for freedom after being busted allegedly driving 180km/h on the wrong side of a Melton road.
Wyndham Leader
Don't miss out on the headlines from Wyndham Leader. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A teenager believed to be a member of a youth crime gang has begged a court for freedom after being busted allegedly driving 180km/h on the wrong side of a highway in Melbourne’s west.
Ayom Deng, 18, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 2 in a bail application after spending the new year on remand.
The court heard police received multiple alerts on December 28 about an erratic driver in the Caroline Springs Shopping Centre car park.
Police allege they busted Mr Deng driving in an allegedly stolen car before he allegedly attempted to evade arrest.
The court heard Mr Deng allegedly drove away from police, when he turned onto the Western Fwy.
Police allege they could not intercept Mr Deng due to his alleged speed of 180km/h.
Mr Deng was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the freeway, before crossing over the middle nature strip to the correct side of the road.
Police say Mr Deng continued to drive “erratically”, allegedly reaching speeds of 150km/h, causing other drivers to “take action to avoid” him.
Mr Deng allegedly drove through the western suburbs, before entering the Altona Gate Shopping Centre, where he and three other co-accused attempted to flee the vehicle.
Mr Deng was arrested inside the shopping centre, where a pat down search allegedly revealed the keys to the car.
Police say they believe Mr Deng to be a member of a youth crime gang.
On Thursday, he applied for bail after being in remand over the new year.
The court heard he had been living with two aunties, his sibling and multiple cousins after his mother died.
Police opposed the bail application, saying Mr Deng “showed complete disregard for the road rules”.
“This had the potential to end in an absolutely catastrophic event,” the police prosector said.
“He very likely could have killed a person with his behaviour.”
Mr Deng’s matter was adjourned as a part heard bail application to Friday January 3, to enable him to engage with a youth justice case worker.
He will return to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 3.
Police told to consider rego scheme for e-bikes
A Victorian coroner has told authorities to crack down on illegal e-bikes, and consider a “radical” new registration scheme.
‘Heartbreak’: Seizure causes pregnant mum, toddler to crash into tree
A pregnant mum suffered a seizure behind the wheel and slammed into a tree with her toddler in the back — the latest nightmare to hit the young Melbourne family already reeling from heartbreak.