No bail for Geelong boy

Court told teen gang in stolen car tried to ram police

AN officer drew his gun as he tried to arrest a Geelong youth and his teen friends who tried to ram a police vehicle with a stolen car, before crashing into a Maserati at Crown Casino, a children’s court has heard.

Another officer had to dive behind a concrete pillar to protect himself as police tried to arrest the group about 5.30pm on Thursday, according to an incident summary.

Yesterday, a boy, 16, on parole, who police allege was in the stolen car — one of three he and the group stole in three days — was denied bail.

A police informant said officers had to smash the Ford Territory’s windows to capsicum spray some of the group in the car.

All five, who are under 18, faced court yesterday. Four were remanded in custody and a 15-year-old boy was bailed.

The region’s most senior police officer, Supt Craig Gil- lard, sat in court as a summary of the offending was read.

The court heard the 15year-old boy was released from the Parkville Youth Justice Centre earlier this year.

A police prosecutor said the teenager was stopped by police a day after his release and showed complete disregard for authority.

“He made a statement to a member, ‘I will continue to do burgs and steal cars until I’m 18 because the courts can’t do nothing to punish me’,” the sergeant said. Police allege the 16-year-old boy and four others used the Ford to steal a Subaru and a 2012 MercedesBenz on Thursday after breaking into homes in Marshall and Wandana Heights.

The 16-year-old, who has a serious criminal history — including multiple car thefts, carjacking using a weapon, affray and burglary — was released on parole from the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre earlier this year, the court heard.

The police prosecutor op- posed the 16-year-old’s bail and said no conditions imposed on him would prevent him reoffending. “He’s been given chances time and time again. He’s still associating with criminals,” he said.

In denying the 16-year-old bail, a magistrate said, “I can’t get over the unacceptable risk (to the community). His (criminal) history is incredibly serious”.

Four of the five will reappear in court on December 6.