Man charged over items taken from farm bailed

A Timaru man facing a burglary charge relating to an incident in which items were taken from a Mycoplasma bovis-infected farm property has been released on bail, despite police opposition.

Andrew Paul Walker appeared in the Timaru District Court on charges of burglary and assault on Tuesday.

The prosecution said Walker was facing a common assault charge when the burglary was committed.

Walker had elected a jury trial on the burglary charge and had called for a judge alone trial on the assault charge.

Judge Maze said there had been a recent Court of Appeal decision in which bail conditions had been reviewed.

‘‘It is incumbent on me that Mr Walker is entitled to be released on reasonable terms and conditions.

‘‘The defendant must satisfy he will not commit burglary or violence if he is admitted to bail.’’

‘‘It is for the defendant to satisfy me that he would not commit an offence.’’

Judge Maze said there were several items relating to the burglary yet to be recovered.

Police had argued if Walker received bail, he could dispose of the missing items, she said. The judge said she did not ‘‘accept there is a risk of flight, or interference with witnesses’’.

She imposed strict bail conditions on Walker and warned if he breached them, he could expect a remand in custody. He was remanded to June 25 with a curfew and a non-association order.

On a charge of driving while suspended, he entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 90 hours’ community work and disqualified from driving for 12 months.