Bored by court

By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS

A SERIAL court absconder and unlicenced drink-driver facing a total of 36 charges was denied bail in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court last Monday.
William Mayan of Dandenong was arrested by a Protective Services officer at Springvale railway station on 9 November over “minor property damage” when it was discovered there were eight outstanding warrants for his arrest
During a bail application hearing, informant Constable Dan O’Connor told the court of Mayan’s multiple drink-driving and speeding offences since March 2012 despite the applicant never having held a driver’s licence.
On one occasion, he produced a suspended learner’s licence belonging to ‘Atim Atim’.
It was alleged he was “so drunk he couldn’t walk or identify his friends” when pulled over – yet again – as an unlicensed driver in Bangholme on 25 May this year.
Of his six court hearings since September 2012, Mayan attended once.
On that occasion Mayan left the courthouse early because “it took too long to hear”, he allegedly told police.
Constable O’Connor said police had tried on “numerous occasions” to get Mayan to court.
“Police believe the accused has no intention to appear at court,” Constable O’Connor said.
“He has 36 outstanding charges and little regard for drink-driving and placing himself and road users at risk.
“He continues to commit similar offences while on bail.”
Mayan’s defence lawyer said Mayan hadn’t taken the situation seriously until being arrested and held in custody for the previous three days.
He hadn’t offended since July, she said.
Mr Bryant said Mayan showed “complete and utter contempt to answer bail and come to court”.
“We can only indulge someone so much. The one day he came (to court) he left because he was bored.”
However Mr Bryant said he was likely to hand down a suspended jail sentence if Mayan pleaded guilty to the charges.
He remanded Mayan in custody pending a community corrections order assessment.
“Suffice to say, you’re not going to be driving for many years to come.”