‘Fake penis’ used in testing

LEOPOLD man Aaron Burnie was allegedly caught with a fake penis and bottle of urine, and police say the accused drug dealer used them to deliver clean test results while on bail.

Mr Burnie, 28, unsuccessfully applied for bail in Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday, and has a separate bail application scheduled for today.

The court heard he was charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury and firearms offences in March last year, and given bail in August this year before a County Court trial, likely in February.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie said the “extremely strict bail conditions” required he live with his mother in Leopold and have his urine regularly tested to monitor his drug use.

But police became suspicious of his activities, and had him under surveillance earlier this year.

On October 9, Mr Burnie was driving in North Geelong.

Despite being fully licensed and in a registered vehicle, it is alleged he sped off when he saw police, who pursued him with lights and sirens on.

Ms McGarvie was told Mr Burnie drove erratically, ran a red light and crashed his car in Geelong West before being arrested at a nearby Nando’s outlet.

A search warrant was executed at his mother’s home later that day, with drugs, including ice, Xanax and GHB, allegedly found in the applicant’s bedroom, as well as two mobile phones and a tablet police suspect were stolen property.

Ms McGarvie said Mr Burnie claimed he was working at Harvey Norman and off drugs while on bail, and had delivered a series of clean urine sample.

But the court heard the job was not true, and the other items police seized at his mum’s home that day further undermined his credibility.

“This fake penis and yellow liquid calls into question those results,” Ms McGarvie said.

They are the basis for a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice that has been laid against Mr Burnie, and police plan to have his previous urine test analysed to strengthen their case.

Ms McGarvie was told that analysis might take six months.

She decided there were no bail conditions that could adequately reduce the risk of Mr Burnie reoffending or endangering the public.

“It appears he has superficially been complying with his bail . . . but it appears he has continued to reoffend,” she said.

With bail refused on the October matters, Mr Burnie is scheduled to apply to the County Court today for bail on last year’s charges.

Even if successful he will remain in custody because of Ms McGarvie’s decision yesterday.