A COBDEN man who drove through two gates and electric fences to avoid police, causing three people to jump out of his way, has been placed on a community corrections order.
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Phillip Raymond Gibbs, 46, previously of Cobden-Terang, and now Leongatha, pleaded guilty in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court to reckless conduct endangering serious injury, causing criminal damage, breaching an intervention order and two counts of unlawful assault.
He was convicted, placed on a 12-month CCO with the conditions he undertake treatment and rehabilitation for alcohol and mental health issues as requested.
Magistrate Peter Mellas said the disability pensioner had prior offences for driving and domestic issues and it was "starting to look like a pattern".
He said Gibbs had recently had a kidney transplant and jailing him would put the defendant’s health and life expectancy at risk.
The magistrate also suggested Gibbs completely stop drinking.
Police said Gibbs was served with an intervention order protecting his partner on October 22 last year which banned him from a Cobden-Terang Road property, but despite the order he continued living there.
On December 8 he left the address, returned about 3pm and started drinking. He left again at 5pm, was called by his partner at 6.30pm and told not to come back as the gates would be locked.
Gibbs returned at 7pm to find the gates locked.
He used his white Nissan twin cab ute to smash through two gates.
Gibbs then grabbed a woman as she attempted to flee. The woman and another female then flagged down a passing vehicle and police were called.
Gibbs damaged a barbecue and trashed a bedroom while packing his belongings.
When police arrived and were heading up the property's driveway, Gibbs drove through two electric fences and narrowly missed a horse to avoid them.
Three people had to take evasive action to avoid being hit or injured as Gibbs drove off.
Defence counsel Xavier Farrelly said Gibbs had not been having a great day when he offended but there was now a chance to rekindle his relationship.
Gibbs was also ordered to pay $526.70 restitution for damage caused.