Christopher Daniel Lang, 24, faced Horsham Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Ararat Senior Constable Galt Erkelens told the court Lang was arrested on July 9 for possession of cannabis and prescription medication. 

He was convicted in Ararat Magistrate’s Court on July 11 and placed on a community corrections order.

Sen Const Erkelens said on Saturday, Lang was arrested for an alleged theft of a bicycle in Ararat.

He was bailed, with conditions including that he had a curfew and had to remain at a Stawell address.

Sen Const Erkelens said about 24 hours later, Lang was found in Ararat, living outside his bail conditions.

“Police reiterated the bail conditions to Lang, but a few hours later police discovered he had returned to the Ararat address,’’ he said.

Sen Const Erkelens said police searched Lang’s backpack and allegedly found two bottles of prescription medication that were not in his name. Police also allegedly found a knife and a small bag of a clear, crystal-like substance in Lang’s wallet.

Sen Const Erekens said he opposed Lang’s bail because he had failed to answer bail conditions on previous occasions.

He said Lang would continue to re-offend if he was granted bail.

He was also concerned that Lang did not seem to have a place to live. 

Lang told the court the prescription medication police found in his backpack belonged to a friend.

He said he did not do anything illegal.

“I’ve stopped using cannabis, I’m not doing drugs and I’m very distressed by the situation,” he said.

“I don’t want my children to see me as a jailbird.”  

Magistrate Cynthia Toose said Lang had not provided the court with an address where he would live if he was granted bail.

“There is a history of non-compliance with court orders and there is a risk he will re-offend,” she said. 

Lang has been remanded in custody and will face court again on Monday.