By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A DOVETON man found with a machete under his car seat for self-protection has been warned by a magistrate not to ruin his promising prospects.
The year 12 student was one of three friends in a car that smelled of cannabis when it was pulled over by police in Doveton on the night of 6 April.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Kerryn Buschgens told Dandenong Magistrates’ Court that the black-handled machete and a small amount of cannabis was found during a police search.
The accused, who had lost his licence for drug-driving, was the owner of the vehicle.
He told the court on 15 June that he kept a machete after a group of men armed with machetes smashed his car and home’s windows.
“I bought a machete to protect myself, for intimidation,” he said.
“I was in fear of my life.”
The man helped his mother take care of his seven siblings, driving the younger ones to school.
He had migrated with his family to Australia 10 years ago while his father remained in Africa.
“Mum said she was disappointed,” he said.
“She’s sent two brothers back to Africa for this (type of behaviour).”
Magistrate Jack Vandersteen said the man’s mother had gone through an “unbelievable amount to get you here”.
“You don’t want to muck it up.”
“You appear a pretty bright person,” he said.
“If you’re doing year 12, you’ve got pretty bright prospects.
“You don’t strike me as a violent person who would want to hurt someone. I’m not sure you’d even know how to use (a machete).
“Imagine being in a position to use it and getting 20 years’ jail.”
The man will be assessed this week for a diversion program with conditions of a good-behaviour bond, a pledge to finish year 12, and writing a letter of thanks to police who recommended his diversion.
