Codey Aaron Jennings pleads guilty to drug driving, possession

A Geelong dad who was nabbed drug-driving shortly after losing his licence for two years has been given one last chance to prove he’s “fair dinkum” about his rehabilitation.

Codey Jennings fronted Geelong Magistrates Court on Friday. Picture: Facebook.

A Geelong dad who was nabbed drug-driving shortly after losing his licence for two years has been given one last chance to prove he’s “fair dinkum” about his rehabilitation.

Codey Jennings, 32, appeared in Geelong Magistrates Court on Friday and pleaded guilty to charges including drug driving, car theft, possessing cannabis and ice, and two counts of driving while disqualified.

After being placed on a community corrections order (CCO) in March, police officers noticed Jennings driving through the streets of Norlane in a stolen Toyota on June 8.

A short chase ensured, before Jennings ditched the car and fled on foot after crashing into the barrier at the end of a no through road.

Officers gave chase, briefly losing sight of him until he was found hiding behind a vehicle on Cox Rd.

Cannabis was found in the car, along with a stolen registration plate.

Jennings was taken back to Corio police station and ice was found to be in his system.

He was intercepted again on August 1, this time driving a yellow Ford Falcon.

A check of his licence reveals it had been disqualified on May 24 for two years.

Officers could smell marijuana and both cannabis and ice were found in the car.

Jennings lawyer, Jacob Mildren, told the court his client had a difficult upbringing, with his father dying young from a heroin overdose and his mother having alcoholism.

The court heard Jennings had worked hard in the past to overcome his addiction issues and be a father for his son, who was currently in the care of Jennings’ aunt.

Jennings had spiralled after the death of his friend in November last year, turning to ice due to the grief he felt, Mr Mildren said.

“His life has basically gone up and down … at the moment he’s down at the bottom of a drop,” Mr Mildren said.

The court heard Jennings had previously appeared in court for unlicensed driving and a police pursuit in 2018, drug driving in 2023 and again earlier this year, prompting his licence loss.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie told the court Jennings was “hurting (his son) more than anyone” and if he wanted to be a father he needed to shape up.

“He can’t look after a four-year-old if his brain is mush (because of) drugs,” Ms McGarvie said.

Mr Mildren asked Ms McGarvie to defer sentencing Jennings on the newest matters and let him have another go on his CCO from March, to “see if he’s fair dinkum” about doing it.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable David Vanderpol argued Jennings should be jailed and it might be “time for a non-parole period”.

Ms McGarvie had Jennings assessed for a CCO, but said it was his last chance and if he came back before her again “it’ll be jail without a doubt”.

“If you want (your son) to visit you in jail, keep going the way you’re going,” Ms McGarvie told Jennings.

“If you really want to change, then you have to do it,”

Jennings was placed on a 16-month CCO.

Originally published as Codey Aaron Jennings pleads guilty to drug driving, possession