Bail refused for alleged drunk, dangerous driver

Magistrate Vivien Edwards said she was concerned Shawn James Stock would flee the State if released, given he has only been in Western Australia six months to visit a friend.

That friend, who sat at the back of the court for Mr Stock’s hearing, gave a reference to the court but admitted the accused had previously mentioned a desire to return to New South Wales and booked a return flight home only weeks ago.

Counsel for Mr Stock told the court he only told the friend he had a flight home to “tug at the heartstrings” but never intended to leave.

Police opposed Mr Stock’s bail application given the serious injuries his alleged erratic driving caused the 42-year-old female victim.

The court heard Mr Stock allegedly drove at speed on Pinjarra Road near Lakes Road with a blood alcohol content of 0.197grams when he smashed into the back of the woman’s vehicle, forcing her car off the road and into a tree.

She had to be cut from her vehicle and suffered a spinal fracture and injuries to her right leg.

It will be further alleged Mr Stock continued to drive from the scene before mounting the curb and crashing his Holden Commodore into a traffic light pole about 100 metres from the initial accident.

According to police, Mr Stock was uncooperative at the scene, pushed a paramedic and spat at officers before he was physically restrained.

It is alleged Mr Stock refused to be fingerprinted on multiple occasions and even attempted to fight an officer while in the police lock-up.

Given Mr Stock has a criminal record in New South Wales and had previously been the subject of an arrest warrant, Magistrate Edwards refused the bail application.

Mr Stock will remain in custody until his next court appearance on September 19.

He is yet to plead to any of his five charges including dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, obstructing police and disorderly behaviour.