Geelong Magistrates' Court saw another busy day of proceedings on Tuesday, November 18, with multiple defendants facing a range of criminal charges before the local judiciary.
Tuesday's Court Appearances and Charges
The court list revealed several individuals appearing on various matters, highlighting the diverse nature of cases handled by the local justice system. All defendants faced Magistrate John Bentley throughout the day's proceedings, with matters ranging from traffic offenses to more serious criminal allegations.
Among those appearing was a 34-year-old Grovedale man charged with theft from a local retail establishment. The prosecution alleged the incident occurred earlier this month at a Highton shopping center, with merchandise valued at approximately $450 being taken without payment.
Another case involved a 42-year-old Corio woman facing charges related to drug possession. Police prosecutors told the court the defendant was found with a quantity of methamphetamine during a vehicle stop in Norlane. The matter was adjourned for further mention at a later date.
Traffic Offenses Dominate Morning Session
The morning session saw several traffic-related matters, including a 28-year-old Whittington man charged with drink-driving. Court documents indicated the defendant recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.085 following a random breath test conducted on Thompson Road. The magistrate imposed a six-month license disqualification and fined the defendant $600.
Another traffic matter involved a 56-year-old Newtown man facing charges of driving while suspended. The prosecution noted this was the defendant's second such offense within a twelve-month period, leading to more severe penalties being considered by the court.
Property Crime and Court Outcomes
Property damage charges featured prominently in the afternoon session, with a 31-year-old Belmont man appearing over an incident allegedly occurring at a licensed premises in central Geelong. The court heard the defendant was accused of damaging furniture valued at approximately $800 during an altercation with staff members.
Several matters were adjourned for further hearing to allow for the preparation of pre-sentence reports or to enable defendants to seek legal representation. Other cases resulted in immediate sentencing, with outcomes including fines, community correction orders, and in some instances, custodial sentences for more serious repeat offenders.
The day's proceedings concluded around 4:30 PM, with all matters either finalized or scheduled for future court dates. Geelong Magistrates' Court continues to handle hundreds of cases monthly, reflecting both law enforcement efforts and ongoing challenges within the community.
