Ryan Meuleman Sent to Drug Rehab After Alleged Carjacking in Victoria

Ryan Meuleman, 28, known locally as “Bike Boy”, was charged with carjacking a mother and her three‑year‑old twins outside a Pakenham laundromat on May 3. The incident, captured on CCTV, showed Meuleman in only underwear and a hoodie seizing the driver’s seat of a Kia Sportage before the husband intervened and police arrived.

At a Melbourne Magistrates’ Court hearing, Meuleman, already on bail for other burglary and drug offences, was ordered to be released to The Cottage, a live‑in drug‑rehabilitation centre in Shepparton. Defence lawyer Tom Smedley argued the programme would help Meuleman rebuild his life, while First Constable Donovan Nortje opposed release, citing Meuleman's extensive criminal record. The Cottage runs a three‑phase, 12‑week program with strict security, supervised outings and regular drug testing.