By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A “homeless” man has been refused bail after being allegedly found sheltering in a Narre Warren Scout hall in breach of his bail conditions.
At the time, Andrew Keen was bailed to a fixed address with family in Narre Warren South.
He was allegedly found sleeping in the Fountain Drive Scout hall by a volunteer about 4pm on 24 June.
Keen told the volunteer he was homeless and hiding from the rain, police informant Acting Sergeant Nicole Spinks told Dandenong Magistrates’ Court the next day.
He had taken down two of the hall’s flags which he used to cover windows to conceal his presence, the court heard.
Police arrested Keen while hiding on a front lawn in Bethel Close, Narre Warren North that day.
He had methamphetamine in his pocket, the court heard.
He had been on bail while accused of using a former gym club member’s swipe card to twice break into a Cranbourne gym and stealing $50 in May 2017.
Police opposed bail, concerned that he’d continue to offend to support his drug habit, Act Sgt Spinks said.
Keen told the court that he’d stayed at his bail address “every day” but made a “bad error” getting “intoxicated” while out with people on the weekend.
He pleaded to be released so he could retain his job as an account manager in St Kilda.
He had just got his driver’s licence and it was his first steady work in 12 months, he said.
“It’s a good job and I really like it.
“I want to move forward with everything.
“I know I made a bad error or whatnot on the weekend. I need this job, I need to go forward.”
Magistrate Pauline Spencer said Keen did not meet the “exceptional circumstances” bail test despite making “positive” steps.
The test required special, unusual and out-of-the-ordinary circumstances, Ms Spencer said.
“Having a new job is significant for you after 12 months but it does not satisfy exceptional circumstances.”
Keen was remanded in custody to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 13 July.
