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Man faces court after driving through Gippsland shopping centre

A man accused of driving through a regional shopping centre in Victoria during the after-school rush has appeared in court.

Lawrence Gardam, 45, faces multiple driving-related charges after the incident at the Gippsland Centre in Sale. He appeared in Sale Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, remaining silent as Magistrate Tim Walsh opened the case.

Police allege that Gardam drove his red Ford Falcon ute through the centre, smashing through a set of automatic doors and into the food court before fleeing the scene. 

Despite the damage, he avoided hitting any kiosks or shoppers, with no injuries reported.

Gardam was arrested the next day and held overnight at the Sale Police Station. 

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Magistrate Walsh denied an application for Gardam to appear via video link, insisting he attend court in person.

Upon Gardam’s entrance to the courtroom, he had two black eyes and was dressed in a black shirt, denim jeans, and white slippers. 

He appeared breathless and did not apply for bail.

Prosecutors requested more time to compile evidence, noting that a number of witnesses still needed to be interviewed. By the morning of the hearing, 15 witness statements had already been submitted.

The court also heard Gardam suffers from several mental health conditions and takes up to 14 prescribed medications daily.

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