Accused carjacker was on bail, court hears

A NEWTOWN father was on bail when he allegedly committed a carjacking in Geelong last weekend, a court has heard.

Josh Carter was denied bail in Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday after failing to show compelling reasons to be released.

The 27-year-old has been charged along with his partner — Nicole Stratton, 25 — over the Saturday morning incident.

Police allege the pair forced a 21-year-old woman from her car in Whittington about 1.30am after being given a lift from the Lord of the Isles Tavern.

The owner of the car fled to a nearby property and phoned 000 after allegedly being choked by Ms Stratton and told: “You’re going to give us your f---ing car.”

Police allege Mr Carter told his partner: “Grab her phone so she can’t call the jacks.”

The car was later found parked near the couple’s home in Newtown and spray painted with tags including “Peter Brock” and “cop lover”.

After being arrested, the keys to the stolen car were allegedly found in a bin inside the couple’s home.

In opposing bail, criminal investigation unit Detective Jason Tom told the court Mr Carter was on bail at the time of the alleged carjacking.

Mr Carter, representing himself, responded by saying he had “nothing to do with what happened”.

Magistrate Peter Mellas denied bail, saying the charges were “relatively serious” and that the police case appeared to be strong.

Mr Carter will return to court next month. Co-accused Ms Stratton was granted bail on Monday.