Bail rejected for Bendigo driver in 140kmh crash
Joseph McLaughlin, 22, allegedly drove at 140kmh in a 60kmh zone and a court rejected his bail application.
A 22-year-old Bendigo man appeared in court on November 9 to argue for bail after charges including driving while disqualified. Joseph McLaughlin allegedly drove at 140kmh in a 60kmh zone on Thistle Street, Golden Square, on November 1.
Police say the car drove through an intersection, forcing three other drivers to swerve to avoid a crash. A constable told the court: "Had it not been for attentiveness and pure luck, we would be looking at a fatality."
Police pursued the car for three kilometres before it crashed on Kangaroo Gully Road. McLaughlin denies being the driver.
He was arrested on November 8 after allegedly resisting police, and officers found methamphetamine and a samurai sword in his possession. Messages on his phone allegedly threatened the witness.
Magistrate Megan Aumair refused bail, citing concerns he would contact the witness and drive again.
- 3 kilometres
- Police pursuit distance
- 22 years old
- Accused driver age
- Bendigo, Victoria
- Location
Why it mattersA dangerous driving case shows the real-world stakes of high-speed driving and how courts weigh public safety against bail rights.
AustraliaResidents of Bendigo and similar regional towns face repeated risk from disqualified drivers; court rejections of bail reinforce that dangerous driving carries serious consequences.
