‘Bloody idiot’ hoon refused bail while sentence appealed

A GOLD Coast man who laughed at police as he did drunken burnouts in a stolen Holden ute has been refused bail despite his defence lawyer arguing he was given an “excessive” sentence.

Stefan Zelovic, 24, was sentenced to nine months jail last week after hooning through boom gates at the Oasis Shopping Centre at Broadbeach, crashing a car and running from police.

Zelovic pleaded guilty to one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, using stolen registration plates, driving while under the influence of liquor and obstructing police.

“I was an idiot and I drank too much. I honestly cannot remember (how much I drank). I should not have been driving. I’m a bloody f-----idiot,” Zelovic said after a court appearance last year.

Zelovic’s defence lawyer Jason Grant, of Grant Lawyers, yesterday appealed the sentence handed down by Magistrate Mark Howden.

Mr Grant said the sentence was greater than both he and prosecutors expected. Among other points, Mr Grant argued his client was denied the opportunity to appeal the decision because the earliest date the matter could be heard was in July, a month after Zelovic’s release date.

Yesterday, Magistrate Donald MacKenzie said Mr Grant’s argument was legitimate and “probably his best point”.

“(Zelovic) would be denied the fruits of a successful application.”

But, after deliberation, Magistrate MacKenzie denied Zelovic bail.

Outside court, Mr Grant said he wanted to be able to have an “open discussion” about the sentence.

“It’s very unlikely the appeal will proceed for Mr Zelovic, by the time we hear the appeal he would have already been released from custody,” Mr Grant said.

“It’s a little bit disappointing the argument itself will never be heard in court, it’s just the way it is unfortunately.

“Most importantly the sentence was excessive, it was more than what both myself and the prosecutor put up.”

Zelovic will be released on parole on June 21.