Jarrod Matthew Halls charged with unlawful use of motor vehicle

A serial criminal who was in a speeding car that crashed into a police vehicle during a police chase has won his bid for bail in a regional court, despite facing another serious charge.

A Bundaberg man who hung out with a bad crowd has been granted bail on the condition he wear a tracking monitor and abide by a curfew.

Jarrod Matthew Halls appeared in Bundaberg Magistrates Court by videolink on Monday to apply for bail after being charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Police prosecutor Dean Burgess told the court that while Mr Halls was not in a show-cause position in asking for bail, his criminal history and drug use had been a concern.

Sgt Burgess noted an appearance before the court 10 years ago where Mr Halls was sentenced to three years‘ prison over entering a dwelling at night whilst armed in company.

“...it was extremely serious,” he said.

Jarrod Matthew Halls has contested a charge of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

“He's had other matters where he’s been in the company of other drug offenders... Mr Halls continually associates with people that place him in situations where he’s caught offending,” Sgt Burgess said.

He said that in 2018, Mr Halls had been in New South Wales where he was sentenced over another “extremely serious” incident.

“He was in pursuit, 50k over the limit and he crashed into a police car,” he said.

“He spent some considerable time in New South Wales prison.”

Sgt Burgess said the prosecution's case in Mr Halls’ most recent charge of unlawful use of a motor vehicle was “strong”.

The court heard Jarrod Matthew Halls had a criminal history of serious offending.

The court heard Mr Halls contested the charge.

Citing a previous incident of drug driving, Sgt Burgess argued a concern over Mr Halls‘ potential for reoffending when arguing against bail.

Defence lawyer Christabelle Stafford-Smith told the court Mr Halls was 35 and unemployed, and was willing to work on his drug use.

Mr Halls was granted bail under strict conditions, including that he be subject to a curfew and that he wear a police tracking monitor at all times.

He will appear in court again on September 26, 2022.

Originally published as Jarrod Matthew Halls charged with unlawful use of motor vehicle