Cop assault charge laid

Accused allegedly led police on chase

A POLICE officer was kicked and yelled at while attempting to arrest a man who had put lives at risk by evading police at high speeds, Geelong Magistrates’ Court was told.

Matthew James Carter was allegedly entering and exiting a known Geelong West drug house when he was seen by divisional response unit detectives on July 30.

The court heard during Friday’s bail application the 32year-old was tailed in his silver Commodore by police who tried to intercept the car along Shannon Avenue.

Mr Carter is charged with a string of serious offences including assault police, resist police and dangerous driving while being pursued by police.

Senior Constable Robert Ashton told the court Mr Carter failed to stop and instead sped away and overtook a large truck from the left bicycle lane before running a red light.

The court was told police abandoned the pursuit and, days later on August 6, went to Mr Carter’s address at Colac.

Officers allegedly spotted the same car from the pursuit parked outside the front of the Queen Street home.

Constable Ashton said officers found deal-bags, scales and a number of weapons, including a baton known as a nightstick, in the front passenger footwell of the car.

It is alleged the number plates attached to the vehicle were from a different car.

The court heard Mr Carter was aggressive to police as they tried to apprehend him, and allegedly told officers: “Get away from my f---ing car”.

Constable Ashton said the man calmed down for a period of time before police had to use OC spray to control him.

“He was erratic, yelling and kicked out his foot,” the officer said. It is alleged Mr Carter’s foot just missed the arresting officer’s face.

Opposing bail, Constable Ashton said Mr Carter had endangered the public with driving and had access to numerous weapons.

Lawyer Jonathan Barreiro argued his client should be released under strict conditions because of his acute psychiatric needs, vulnerability in custody and the fact he had been assessed as suitable for the court integrated services bail program.

But Magistrate Ann McGarvie expressed concern about Mr Carter’s ability to comply with conditions.

Bail was refused and Mr Carter was remanded in custody. He is due in court on September 11.