Accused told to organise ‘house arrest’

AN ACCUSED drug-using burglar has to organise his own “house arrest” if he hopes to win bail.

Travis Peter Richardson faces 23 charges including burglary, drugs, stealing cars, driving while disqualified and weapons offences.

Representing himself, Mr Richardson asked Brisbane Supreme Court Justice Peter Applegarth on Wednesday to release him on bail so he could live with his partner and their new baby.

The 30-year-old Toowoomba man said he planned to attend drug rehabilitation but he not arranged this before appearing in court but Justice Applegarth said his arrangements were not good enough.

“You obviously have a significant drug problem,” Justice Applegarth said.

“You need residential rehab but it seems you don’t presently have this – you have either got to find a rehab facility or you have to get a better bail address.

“You must not be living with someone who might have their own problems with drugs and you need to work out some strict regime where you’re practically under house arrest unless you are going to therapy and the like.”

Crown prosecutor Gretchen McKinley opposed his release saying the defendant was an “unacceptable risk” of re-offending.

Justice Applegarth adjourned the bail application until Mr Richardson is able to organise the proper housing and rehab.