Magistrate orders man to wear GPS tracker after declaration lie

A MAN accused of lying on his border declaration and refusing to self-quarantine will have to wear a GPS tracker on bail amid public health concerns.

Tupouri Henry appeared in Southport Magistrates Court via phone on Thursday charged with obstructing police.

He is accused of lying on his declaration form after returning from a NSW hot spot on Monday and, when tracked to his Beenleigh property, refusing to self-quarantine when directed to by police.

The court also heard Henry was already refused entry to Queensland before allegedly falsifying his declaration form.

Prosecutor Paula Cavanagh, who opposed bail, told the court Henry’s behaviour was then so “severe” when police drove him to Voco Hotel at Surfers Paradise that he was refused entry to the establishment.

“While the actual obstruct (police) is relatively straight forward in nature, the risk to the public health, the defendant committing further offences is extreme in the current climate,” she said.

“Even a single further offence by this particular defendant of a similar (nature) could have very extensive outcomes for the general public.”

Ms Cavanagh said there was no doubt Henry knew he had to quarantine as he was told during his first attempt at trying to cross the border.

Henry, who has a history of breaching court orders, had been in isolation in custody since Monday.

The court heard he had tested negative to COVID-19.

Magistrate Cameron McKenzie said he took into account the serious nature of the risk to the public, and potential repercussions, but granted Henry bail with strict conditions.

He must wear a GPS tracker, comply with all health directives, and quarantine at the Voco Hotel for 14 days.

After two weeks, he must reside at his Beenleigh address.

Duty lawyer Bill Siganto, of Legal Aid Queensland, argued Henry should be given bail as it was likely he would not serve a term of imprisonment for the offence if convicted.

He said Henry had already been punished for lying on his declaration form.

Mr Siganto said Henry’s bail could have a condition in which he must quarantine at the hotel.

“He understands that the options for him today are he either accepts that he’s doing these 14 days in a hotel, or he’s going to 24-hour isolation in Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre. He’s well aware of that stark reality and he’s willing to comply.”

The matter will return to court on August 18.