Man drove at 160km/h through Shepparton residential streets, court told

He is charged with driving dangerously while pursued by police, two counts of failing to stop on police direction, unlicensed driving, driving an unregistered vehicle, resisting police, using false number plates and drug driving.

Shepparton police First Constable Ben Murray told the court police activated their lights and sirens after they saw a Holden Calais, he claims was driven by Mr Baksh, driving east on Poplar Ave in Shepparton at 10.40pm on April 22 with incorrect number plates.

First Constable Murray alleged the car got up to 160km/h in a 60km/h zone on Archer St, and also drove on the wrong side of the road in St George’s Rd.

He alleged the car continued to be driven dangerously and erratically while the Police Air Wing monitored it, before pulling into a driveway in Albert St.

The court was told police tried to intercept the car in the driveway, but Mr Baksh again drove off, before turning his headlights off.

The court heard the car eventually stopped in Morris Crt where it stayed for 20 minutes, before Mr Baksh got out and walked away.

First Constable Murray said he ran after Mr Baksh when he got out of the car and struggled with him to the ground to arrest him.

Police also allege Mr Baksh tested positive for drugs.

The court heard the car was unregistered and Mr Baksh had never held a driver’s licence.

First Constable Murray told the court Mr Baksh was on a court-appointed drug and alcohol treatment order when the incident occurred.

He also said Mr Baksh was an unacceptable risk, given he had 11 prior convictions for dangerous driving while pursued by police or evading police, 25 for disqualified driving and 28 for committing an indictable offence while on bail.

Mr Baksh’s solicitor Ian Michaelson argued the initial start of the chase when the lights and sirens were activated was not captured by Police Air Wing footage or on body-worn cameras, and it could not be known that Mr Baksh was the driver.

However, magistrate Marita Altman shot down this argument saying she drew an inference that as Police Air Wing footage showed him getting out of the driver’s seat of the car, he was the driver.

She also said an argument of dangerous driving could be made out from Police Air Wing footage she had been shown.

Mr Michaelson also argued there would be a delay in the case finalising, as Mr Baksh planned to plead not guilty.

He also told the court Mr Baksh was an Aboriginal man, and suffered from ADHD, a provisional learning disorder and anxiety.

Mr Michaelson argued that a combination of strict bail conditions and the drug and alcohol treatment order Mr Baksh was already on, could ameliorate any risk to an acceptable level.

As Ms Altman refused bail, she spoke of how she was particularly concerned that Mr Baksh was on a drug and alcohol treatment order when this incident occurred.

“When drug court commenced in Shepparton … the court made a representation to the community that the community would be kept safe,” Ms Altman said.

“Simple drug use is dealt with therapeutically and not punitively, and the drug court allows them to conquer their addictions.

“We cannot and will not tolerate the use of a vehicle while using drugs.

“The use of a vehicle where we are aware they continue to use drugs — it’s a line we will not step over.”

Mr Baksh was remanded in custody to next appear in court later in May.