By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A DANDENONG North man allegedly involved in a dangerous police pursuit has been refused bail to stay at the home of a “high-risk recidivist” out on bail over a police siege.
A bail hearing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 3 August heard the applicant Riza Vula, 37, had been using ice, cannabis and GHB and had persistently offended while on bail.
His would-be housemate had used ice, made violent threats to police and had been warned for a fixation with police firearms, the court was told.
Informant Senior Constable Jessica Angland, of Greater Dandenong SOCIT police, said Vula’s intended housemate in Chelsea was “not of a good character” citing a family violence incident in May which led to him barricading himself inside his house.
The would-be housemate had been released on bail after two months in custody on 1 July.
He was classed as a “high-risk recidivist offender”, Sen Const Angland said.
The intended housemate told the court that he and Vula could support each other in what was potentially a “fresh start” for both of them.
“The house is close to the beach, close to the shops … he wouldn’t have to drive or nothing.”
Vula was charged on 25 June over handling stolen goods, driving with false number plates, driving while disqualified, possessing a prohibited weapon – an extendable baton – and driving an unregistered car.
Police prosecutor First Constable Tess Davison said Vula, at the time of his arrest, was on bail for three other matters.
Many of the earlier offences were punishable by jail – including allegedly possessing two stolen motorcycles.
She said an alleged police pursuit in Dandenong and Noble Park about 8.10pm on 6 November showed Vula was a risk to public safety.
“It’s got to the point that he’s aware he’s offending … (and) at all costs has tried to evade police.”
During the pursuit, Vula allegedly accelerated heavily on Railway Parade, ran red lights on Chandler Road, Douglas Street, Browns Road and two at Springvale Junction, according to a police summary.
He was estimated to be travelling at 120 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the Princes Highway.
He continued to drive away from police until his car broke down with smoke billowing from the bonnet on Westall Road, First Const Davison told the court.
Police allegedly seized two false number plates, the drug gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB), unused fireworks and a baseball bat from the car – which was unregistered.
Vula at the time was serving a two-year disqualification from driving.
Vula’s mother testified in court she would be willing to allow the applicant to live with her, though First Const Davison said police had been unable to make checks on her.
Defence lawyer Jeisa Javor said the prosecution case was “weak”, signalling Vula would plead not guilty to the most recent charges.
Vula was assessed for a rehabilitative CREDIT bail program to help him with his issues with cannabis and ice, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and a diagnosed acquired brain injury.
“In relation to his mental health and acquired brain injury, he should not be held in custody. He should be granted bail to get the assistance he needs.”
She said Vula had experienced an “unpleasant” detox during his 39 days in custody, and was offered “stable” accommodation in two locations.
Magistrate Julie O’Donnell said she agreed with police’s concerns with the offered Chelsea accommodation.
Ms O’Donnell said even if stable accommodation was achieved, there was an “extensive” prior history including trafficking ice, reckless conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle.
Bail was refused because of Vula’s four “serious” criminal matters before the court and non-compliance with court orders, she said.
Vula was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 17 August.
