Wellington move ends in Timaru cell

A 24-year-old Wellington man facing multiple charges including assault is in custody in Timaru after moving to the area without his probation officer’s consent.

Pangi O’Brien’s bid for bail was unsuccessful when he appeared before Judge Kevin Phillips in the Timaru District Court yesterday after being charged with breaching standard or special release conditions when allegedly found drinking at the Benvenue cliffs near Caroline Bay.

It was discovered O’Brien was facing charges of assault with intent to injure, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, burglary, and possessing instruments for burglary in the Lower Hutt District Court.

‘‘As I understand it, a plea has not been entered. Therefore, he has the presumption of innocence,’’ Judge Phillips said.

The judge said O’Brien had been granted bail despite opposition on August 15 on condition he reside where directed, not consume alcohol or illicit drugs, and attend alcohol and drug counselling.

‘‘What he has done is travel to the South Island without giving any notice or gaining any consent.’’

Defence lawyer Jay Lovely said O’Brien had moved to Timaru to help a former girlfriend look after the pair’s 1-year-old son.

Judge Phillips said O’Brien had been assessed as aggressive, self-entitled, only reporting to probation and court ‘‘when he wants’’, being at high risk of reoffending, and posing a risk to the public – particularly under the influence of alcohol.

Lovely argued that strict bail conditions would bring any risk posed by O’Brien to an ‘‘acceptable level’’.

The defendant’s breach was not ‘‘a large one’’ because ‘‘he had a tiny amount of alcohol on him and was not in any way affected’’, Lovely said.

Judge Phillips concluded there was ‘‘just cause for continued detention’’.

O’Brien was remanded in custody until October 29.

‘‘What he has done is travel to the South Island without giving any notice or gaining any consent.’’ Judge Phillips