FREEDOM was short-lived for Orange man Bradley Steven Parker who found himself behind bars after he was released only five days prior.
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On Thursday, September 25, Parker was released from custody and sentenced to 200 hours community service by magistrate Terry Lucas in Orange Local Court for a break and enter earlier in the year.
But by Tuesday evening he was in the cells at Orange police station after he was arrested during an alleged car and foot chase that afternoon.
He was charged with engaging police in a pursuit, speeding in a manner dangerous and driving as an unaccompanied learner.
However, in the 33-year-old’s bail hearing on Wednesday, his solicitor Philip Boncardo argued that, while Parker had only been out of jail for five days, he had managed to find himself employment.
“As to his interests he is a footballer and a churchgoer,” Mr Boncardo said.
“He spent one month in custody and he understands the importance of being at court.”
Mr Lucas pointed to Parker’s 18-page criminal history.
Parker pleaded not guilty to the charges and called out in court that it was not him who was driving the car.
Mr Lucas said the police stated that Parker was found close by the car that was involved in the police chase, it was registered to him, the engine was still running and his learner licence was in the car along with some drugs.
“The allegation is you were doing 90 on a 50 zone ... the allegation in itself is a very serious matter for the safety of the community,” he said.
“You were found within the vicinity of the car, with your particulars found in it ... it is a strong prosecution case.
“A custodial sentence is likely.”
Police prosecutor Sergeant Matt Westman said Parker posed an unacceptable risk and he should be denied bail because the danger to the public was too great and Parker had a habit of not showing up to court.
“I can count nine warrants that have been issued to get him to come to court,” he said.
Mr Lucas agreed and said bail conditions could not be imposed that would mitigate the risk to the community.
Parker will remain behind bars until his next court appearance.