By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A MAN who was believed to be driving a $175,000 BMW ‘bought’ with false identification has been told he was fortunate not to be charged with the vehicle’s theft.
Dandenong Magistrates’ Court heard on 2 May that Bilal Gurlu was not the owner of the car but that it had been fraudulently purchased by another man using false identification.
Gurlu was twice in the vehicle when intercepted by police in Footscray and Essendon on 27 September 2014.
After on-the-spot interviews, Gurlu was allegedly spotted by police shifting from the passenger seat to behind the wheel and driving off.
The next day, police seized the car from a Dallas address.
He was charged with proceeds of crime but the court was told that he was only driving the vehicle for his cousin, who was a disqualified driver.
The court was also told that his cousin had been given the car.
Gurlu was also charged with criminal damage after allegedly forced his way through a sloping door in his ex-partner’s house in Endeavour Hills on 1 May.
The partner’s mother had already told the woman to hide, and took 20 minutes to persuade Gurlu to leave.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Kerryn Steyn said the interview was terminated due to Gurlu’s aggressive behaviour.
His lawyer said the accused wasn’t “thinking straight” due to his poor mental health at the time.
Gurlu also faced charges at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court of possessing two grams of cannabis, found in his car after a police intercept in Northcote.
A defence lawyer, who asked for a sentence indication, said his client’s life had “turned upside down” due to a business partner syphoning money from Gurlu and his ex’s business.
It led to the company’s liquidation, the separation of his ex and Gurlu’s mental breakdown, the court was told.
His subsequent cannabis and ice abuse was attempted self-medication for his depression.
Gurlu had been turned away three times from a treatment clinic because his symptoms weren’t as severe as others.
The accused denied the criminal damage charge, the court was told.
Magistrate Jack Vandersteen said an “agitated” Gurlu was fortunate not to be charged with theft of the motor vehicle or with unlawful entry into his ex-partner’s house.
Mr Vandersteen noted a previous family violence order protecting Gurlu’s sister and mother, as well as the accused’s “erratic” behaviour including banging his head in the cells.
Mr Vandersteen said he needed more information on Gurlu’s residence and supports in the community.
“On the face of his criminal record, I agree a (community order) is within range but I’m not satisfied that he is ready to comply at this point.”
Gurlu was remanded in custody pending a community corrections assessment the next day.
