A car enthusiast allegedly caught trying to sell stolen parts back to an employee of the business where the parts were stolen has been granted bail in Warrnambool court.
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Jason Ford, 43, of Kenna Avenue, Hamilton, successfully applied for bail in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court and will appear in the Hamilton court on August 19.
Mr Ford was on bail charged with drugs offences when police arrested him last Friday.
Hamilton police Detective Constable Emma Cook told the court Mr Ford rented a shed from a Hamilton man who was in jail.
On June 8 parts including rear lights and a spoiler were stolen from Atkins Autoworks in Hamilton.
Early last week a 19-year-old employee of the business was contacted by an associate of Mr Ford who allegedly offered to sell him the parts.
Detective Constable Cook said she recognised the shed where the parts were being stored and police executed a warrant at Mr Ford's shed at 3.40pm on Friday.
Serial numbers for lights and a spoiler matched those stolen, she alleged.
There were also text messages found on a mobile phone between Mr Ford and the associate about the sale of drugs, the court was told.
Mr Ford denied knowing the parts were stolen. "I don't buy and sell stolen car parts. If I became aware the parts were stolen I would be the first person to go down to the police station," he told the court.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Paul Harris claimed Mr Ford was an unacceptable risk of continuing to offend as he had previously breached bail five times and been charged with committing offences on bail eight times.
Magistrate Mark Stratmann said despite Mr Ford's 43 pages of prior court appearances that he had shown compelling reasons to be released on bail.
"I have some concerns about the strength of the case, which I would describe as moderate," he said.
"Despite significant concerns I find there are compelling reasons to grant bail."
Mr Ford has now been charged with breaching bail, handling stolen goods, retention of stolen goods, dealing with the proceeds of crime and trafficking methamphetamine.
His bail conditions include an overnight curfew.
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