Samuel James Christian Keene faces Bundaberg court over stolen car, gun
A young Bundaberg man accused of becoming airborne in a $50,000 stolen car containing a gun has asked a court to release him on bail.
Police & Courts
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The trial of a man accused of stealing a $50,000 car and taking it on a joyride through the seaside township of Coonarr near Bundaberg will continue after he was granted bail.
Samuel James Christian Keene appeared by videolink from custody in Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he applied for bail.
Mr Keene, who has contested a number of charges against him, had originally been in a show-cause position, meaning he must successfully argue as to why his incarceration is not justified.
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The court heard Mr Keene’s case had seen changes of evidence and his lawyer was concerned mounting time in custody could end up equating to excessive time served.
Police argued, however, the alleged offending was serious and the accused, who the court heard struggled with drug use, was not yet rehabilitated.
Magistrate John McInnes said the most serious charge against Mr Keene was a burglary on October 16 last year, in which firearms and ammunition were stolen.
The next most serious charge, according to Mr McInnes, was that of the December car theft. It is alleged the car was driven down a dead-end street in Coonarr before becoming airborne over a small body of water and landing in trees.
A gun was found in the front passenger area of the car.
Police alleged Mr Keene was under the influence of a substance but refused testing.
The charges he faces include one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possessing a shortened firearm, possessing pipes, possessing dangerous drugs, receiving tainted property (firearms or ammunition), stealing a vehicle, unlawful possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of weapons (category D/H/R) and entering dwelling and commit, as well as two counts of failing to provide a specimen.
It was heard Mr Keene had the support of family and also had work lined up if he was released from custody.
Mr McInnes granted Mr Keene bail under strict conditions.
His trial is set to take place at a later date.
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Originally published as Samuel James Christian Keene faces Bundaberg court over stolen car, gun
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