Alleged car thief bailed

Police raid finds man in cupboard

AN alleged car thief hid inside a house cupboard when the police net closed in on him, a court has heard.

Jordan Kenyon was arrested in Norlane on Wednesday after police raided a home belonging to his girlfriend.

In a garage, police recovered a Holden sedan they allege was stolen by Mr Kenyon in Geelong West on February 9.

The 23-year-old was granted bail in Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday despite police fears he would continue offending.

At the time of his arrest, Mr Kenyon was already on bail for charges including dangerous driving during a police pursuit and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

In court, criminal investigation unit detective Ben Granger said the Norlane raid also uncovered various registration plates reported stolen from across the Geelong region between December and March.

He said officers also found stolen fuel cards, Xanax tablets and a clear liquid believed to be GHB.

Sen-Constable Granger said Mr Kenyon’s girlfriend, who remains in custody, had stated that all the stolen property belonged to her partner.

A tearful Mr Kenyon, representing himself, said he “needed help” for severe anxiety and depression, pledging to admit himself to a psychiatric unit if released.

The court heard evidence Mr Kenyon had been subjected to threats on his life, which was given as a reason for him not living with his mother as part of his existing bail condi- tions. One of his relatives took to the stand to state he had been told Mr Kenyon had a machete held to his throat recently.

“That’s why he doesn’t want to take the problem home to his mum,” he said.

Under questioning from police, the relative said he would contact authorities if Mr Kenyon breached new bail conditions.

“I’m old school and it’s as simple as that,” he said.

Magistrate John Lesser decided to grant bail, citing Mr Kenyon’s family support and the health issues he “needs to attend to quickly”.

He set numerous bail conditions including requirements that he abide by a night-time curfew, not to associate with his co-accused girlfriend and to report to police three times a week.

Mr Kenyon will return to court in May.