By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A DANDENONG man was arrested and his home raided by police on Monday soon after he left court on bail for drugs charges.
An ashen-faced Jacob Bentley then unsuccessfully reapplied for bail in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court later that day, denying newly laid trafficking charges and claiming he’d “done well” on a CREDIT bail program in recent months.
Bentley, who represented himself, said he’d cut down on his ‘ice’ use “a lot”.
Magistrate Barry Schultz, who’d overseen Bentley’s matter earlier that day, said the CREDIT bail program was designed to help the accused get “some scores on the board”.
“I’m far from impressed,” Mr Schultz said.
“There are reports of progress on the CREDIT bail program. This appears to be a step back,” Mr Schulz said of the new charges.
Mr Schultz said Bentley was unable to “show cause” for bail due to his risk of committing further offences.
Constable Matthew Reid of Greater Dandenong police’s Drug Taskforce told the court that Bentley was arrested as he left court that morning.
A female friend, who was with Bentley at the time, was overheard speaking by phone to Bentley’s mother.
The friend allegedly tipped off the mother of an imminent drug raid on the house and to remove a ‘Makita’ container from Bentley’s room.
During the raid, police found the drug paraphernalia, deal bags of a substance believe to be ‘ice’ and a set of scales as well as the Makita container.
It held $550 cash and four deal bags of what was believed to be ‘ice’.
Bentley had been on bail since being charged with trafficking cannabis, ‘ice’ and amphetamines, possessing Tasers and proceeds of crime in July.
Const Reid said Bentley had no previous criminal history but his recent offending was similar to his alleged offences last year.
Bentley was remanded in custody until a mention hearing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Tuesday 10 February).
