The family of a 79-year-old alcoholic, who was found lying face-down on the front steps of his house after downing at least two bottles of wine, don’t want him back in the house, a court has heard.
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Marko Bozic had been under court orders not to approach his family within 12 hours of drinking alcohol when he allegedly downed the wine while at the family’s Balgownie home on Saturday.
Court documents said he began drinking at midday in violation of the conditions of an apprehended violence order in which his wife and son are named as protected people.
Bozic’s son told police his father downed two bottles of wine before asking his son to go and buy him more alcohol.
The younger man refused, prompting Bozic to walk away from the property.
He ended up at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow where he allegedly drank two schooners on beer before getting in a taxi to come home about 10.45pm.
Bozic had to be helped from the vehicle when he arrived home and after walking a shirt distance, began crawling on all fours before coming to a rest, face down, on the front steps of the house, where he was found by attending police.
Officers noticed a strong smell of alcohol coming from Bozic and when he lifted his head up, they saw his eyes were bloodshot.
He slurred his words while asking if he could go inside the house.
Police returned Bozic to an upright position and placed him under arrest.
He was taken to Wollongong Police Station in the back of standard police sedan due to his age and apparent frailty.
He was charged with breaching the AVO and fronted court on Sunday, where defence lawyer Sally McLaughlin applied for his release on bail.
“There’s no matters of violence on his record, this was a breach in relation to his drinking,” she said.
“Clearly he’s someone who needs help with his alcohol consumption.”
She said Bozic would be very vulnerable if kept in custody, even just for one night, however said she’d spoken with Bozic’s family and they did not want him to return to the house.
Registrar Nicole Hoffman agreed to release Bozic on bail provided he find alternative accommodation for the night – a matter Ms McLaughlin said she would assist him to do.
The case was adjourned for mention in Wollongong Local Court on Monday.
