Alleged cop-rammer released

A STONED and unlicensed Melbourne teenager who allegedly rammed a police car and broke an officer’s leg has been granted bail.

Benjamin Saurini, 19, previously said he couldn’t see the police vehicle because his car windows had fogged up from smoking cannabis after a session with friends on Friday night.

Saurini allegedly took off when he thought he was going to be “jumped” by officers on patrol, but panicked and sideswiped their car.

He is accused of pinning a senior constable against the car, breaking his leg.

Saurini allegedly read a news article about the injured policeman the following day and realised he was in trouble, dumping the car and removing its number plates.

However, the teen handed himself into police after investigators called his parents.

The victim remains in hospital after undergoing surgery on Monday. Magistrate John Bentley adjourned the matter from Monday so Saurini could undergo a youth justice assessment.

The accused was permitted to go home yesterday to live with his parents at Sunbury, provided he did not get behind the wheel of a car or take any drugs. The court was told yesterday that the teenager (pictured) was suitable for a program where he would be supervised at least once a week and undergo drug education and treatment, particularly for the drug ice.

Saurini’s father John gave evidence, telling the court he realised his son was using drugs about three years ago, but only realised he had a problem eight months ago.

Mr Bentley granted Saurini bail on “strict conditions” including reporting to police every Wednesday. He is due back in court on September 19.