A COURT has been told a Gunnedah man addicted to ice was just waiting out the front of a house when he was chased by police investigating a break-in on the home.
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Hayden William Dawson was charged with trespass and aggravated break-and-enter with intent in company, after he was arrested following a foot pursuit in O’Keefe Pl in Gunnedah on Monday afternoon.
Police had been called to the home after reports two men were seen breaking in, before Dawson was captured, while another man evaded police.
The 19-year-old was refused bail by police and appeared in Tamworth Local Court on Tuesday where he lodged a bid for bail.
“He doesn’t go into the house ... he says (he) was there to visit (his) mate, he said he lives there,” solicitor Fiona Hadlington told the court.
“On a joint criminal enterprise basis it might not be a strong prosecution case.”
The court heard when the police inspected inside the home, the rooms had been ransacked and there was a broken window used to get in.
“You don’t have to be Einstein to see what’s going on,” acting Magistrate Mal MacPherson said, referring to acting as a lookout.
“In my view of the prosecution case, it’s pretty strong.
“The person appears to be addicted to ice.”
But Ms Hadlington said on her instructions, Dawson claimed he hadn’t used ice “for a number of months”.
On top of the fresh charges, Dawson was wanted by police for driving-related offences, including driving while disqualified and driving recklessly, and pleaded guilty before a third charge was withdrawn on Tuesday.
“His offending is closely related to his drug use,” Ms Hadlington said.
After balancing the submissions, Mr MacPherson said with strict conditions he believed the bail concerns could be addressed.
Dawson was ordered to remain under curfew at a Gunnedah home and not leave the house without a family member.
“That’s for the protection of the community,” Mr MacPherson said.
Dawson has been referred to get help for his drug addiction, and must not drink alcohol or take drugs and report to police three times a week.
Police are still investigating the break-in and are yet to arrest the second man.