Accused allegedly had cop uniform

Man faces drug, gun charges

A MAN allegedly found with a Victoria Police uniform, drugs of dependence and a firearm will remain in custody after a court found his “appalling” history meant he was highly likely to endanger members of the public if released.

Bryan Gibson, a Geelong man currently residing in Portarlington, faced the Geelong Magistrates Court from a custody link and was refused bail on the grounds that he posed an unacceptable risk of committing offences.

Mr Gibson, who has not yet entered a plea, was charged with handling stolen goods, possessing firearms and ammunition, possessing drugs of dependence and a range of disqualified and suspended driving offences.

On March 20 this year, police were called to Norlane where a man was reportedly slumped over the driver’s seat.

Once there, they encountered Mr Gibson who was said to have been acting “anxiously” in their presence. Police executed a search of the vehicle and located a Victoria Police uniform, a cannabis plant and firearm ammunition.

A month later, Mr Gibson was located on the side of the Bellarine Highway in a vehicle that had incorrect registration plates. A search of this vehicle revealed cannabis and police took Mr Gibson to the Corio police station.

Four days later, police again encountered Mr Gibson behind the wheel of a white Subaru station wagon in Grovedale. He was allegedly not wearing a seat belt at the time and did not stop when police put their lights on.

Police accused Mr Gibson of driving across the median strip to overtake vehicles that were slowing down for a roundabout. They told the court that there was a large amount of smoke consistent with brake locking.

Mr Gibson collided with another driver and then was seen leaving the scene on foot. With witnesses in the area assisting them, police located Mr Gibson sitting on a footpath and bleeding from his mouth. At the time, Mr Gibson had been disqualified from driving for five years and the vehicle had incorrect registration plates. Cannabis was also located.

Defence argued that Mr Gibson would comply with bail conditions but Magistrate Ann McGarvie said he had “one of the worst driving histories that I have ever seen” and has “breached court order after court order”.

“Why would this court expect that Mr Gibson would suddenly start complying with court orders? I can’t see that happening. He is an unacceptable risk (to himself) and, even worse, will endanger members of the public,” she said.

Mr Gibson will return to court on June 8.