A man who allegedly breached public health orders to go drinking, bolted without paying a cab fare and attempted to headbutt a police officer has been refused bail in Wollongong Local Court.
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Trent Raymond Blair, 34, caught a cab from a Church Street, Wollongong rank 6pm Saturday and asked the driver to take him to Fairy Meadow train station.
The driver pulled over after Blair allegedly began rummaging through the cab's compartments.
He allegedly fled when the taxi stopped on Pioneer Road, only for passing police officers to chase him down.
Police allege a noticeably drunk Blair made no attempts to pay the driver and had no money on him. When questioned, he replied, "I'll pay you on Wednesday".
Blair was handcuffed and allegedly admitted to police he had been drinking alcohol at a friend's home earlier that evening, in breach of public health orders.
Police allege Blailr turned and attempted to headbutt an officer as the officer had a hold of him. He was taken to the ground and escorted into a police vehicle.
Blair was charged with dishonestly obtaining property by deception, assaulting an officer and not complying with public health orders.
He sought bail in court on Monday. Defence lawyer Caitlin Drabble said he would plead not guilty to the charge of assaulting an officer - "there was no contact made" - and noted Blair would spend a prolonged period in custody awaiting a court outcome, due to COVID-19 shutdowns.
Bail was refused.
"He's out and about when he shouldn't be," Magistrate Susan McGowan. said. "Not to mention he's ripping the taxi driver off. I don't think cause has been shown due to his lengthy record and disregard for any order whatsoever - public health orders, orders of the parole board or anyone else. There is going to be a delay, I know that, but nonetheless it's just the way of the world."
The matter returns to court September 7.