A Russell Vale man wanted by police for breaching COVID isolation restrictions claims he was on the toilet for more than 30 minutes when officers carried out a compliance check.
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Court documents reveal Nathan John Schmalz was convicted and fined $2000 when he failed to turn up to court last week.
A court issued a warrant for his arrest but the 35-year-old man is yet to be apprehended.
The documents said Schamlz and his housemate were told they had been declared high risk contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 positive case and were required to self isolate for 14 days from September 7.
Officers explained the conditions to Schmalz including that he was prohibited from leaving home and having visitors, adding they would attend regularly to check his welfare and compliance.
A few days later on September 11 police allegedly found him walking in a Bellambi street shortly after midnight.
He was fined and reminded of the conditions.
Officers spoke to two other people inside Schmalz's unit who were also under self isolation orders during a compliance check about 1.45pm on September 15.
The housemates allegedly told officers Schmalz was not inside the home and had left 10 minutes prior on a motorbike.
The occupants were asked to check every room inside the home to see if Schmalz was there but allegedly reported he was not inside.
Schmalz was also called and did not answer.
Police were at the home for 30 minutes and he allegedly did not return.
Officers went back to the unit where they found Schmalz at home before he was arrested.
He allegedly told police he was at home when the officers had previously arrived but they did not wait long enough for him to finish in the toilet.
He was charged with failing to comply with self-isolation directions.
On Monday, police issued a public appeal for help to find Schmalz who is known to frequent Wollongong, Corrimal and Warrawong areas.
He is described as being Caucasian appearance, with olive complexion, dark facial hair, medium build, 165cm to 170cm tall, brown eyes with a shaved head.
Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to contact Wollongong police.
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