‘Pokie bandit’ accused is denied bail

A MAN accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from poker machines at bars and clubs over a period of eight years has been refused bail.

Tony Glen Hazelwood, 53, was arrested at his family home at Elanora on Tuesday charged with 28 offences relating to scores of heists in which the father was alleged to have stolen cash from poker machines in Queensland and NSW.

Duty lawyer Evan Cooper argued the case against his client was a “circumstantial” one.

And although Hazelwood (from New Zealand) is not an Australian citizen, Mr Cooper said with provisions, he could be relied upon not to reoffend or flee if granted bail.

Mr Cooper said Hazelwood had strong ties to the community, having lived on the Coast for more than 10 years.

“The case against Mr Hazelwood is entirely circumstantial,” he said.

“There’s no positive identification, there’s no forensic evidence that links my client.

“It may be a strong circumstantial case.”

Mr Cooper also argued the complexity of the case would require a sizeable investment of time from the prosecution and that his client should not be kept behind bars in the interim.

Magistrate Gary Finger said he was not comfortable releasing Hazelwood pending his next appearance.

“There are serious allegations … both recently and over the years,” he said.

“I’m not prepared to take that risk. I’m satisfied that you’re an unacceptable risk of reoffending.”

Hazelwood is scheduled to next appear before Southport Magistrates Court on September 19.