Man disputes driving
A BOWEN man has been refused bail after being charged with dangerous driving among other offences while on parole.
He denies being behind the wheel.
Brandon Marsh Matthias fronted Bowen Magistrates Court this week after being pulled over by police on Saturday night.
Police allege he was driving dangerously on Peter Delemothe Road with a woman in the car with him, but Mr Matthias claims he was not the one driving.
The 28-year-old Bowen man applied for bail during his appearance in court on Tuesday with the prosecution arguing Mr Matthias was at risk of committing further offences.
Police prosecutor Sergeant
Jay Merchant opposed bail, saying Mr Matthias had been sentenced to jail terms before and had shown a “constant disregard” for court orders.
The court heard his history also included a jail sentence for dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.
Sergeant Merchant told the court an acting magistrate in Mackay had given Mr Matthias an opportunity in September when he was placed on parole and now he was again facing charges. Lawyer Peta Vernon said Mr Matthias claimed he was not the one driving and could get evidence to support that claim.
“He does have witnesses that attest to the fact he was not driving and therefore not guilty of this offence,” Ms Vernon said.
Mr Matthias had been volunteering as a mechanic and had finished most of his mechanical trade, Ms Vernon said.
Magistrate James Morton told Mr Matthias his criminal history was concerning, as it included drug offences and a five-year jail sentence for dangerous driving causing death in 2010.
A passenger in Mr Matthias’ car also fractured his wrist.
Mr Morton said the allegations levelled against Mr Matthias this time were also serious and a co-accused woman provided a statement to the police stating he was the one driving.
“You are a concern to this court, the evidence is strong and you are an unacceptable risk,” Mr Morton said.
Mr Matthias’s bail was refused and he was remanded in custody. His matters were adjourned to October 27.