A MAN accused of pointing a gun at volunteer firefighters while they were working near Tamworth has had his bail varied to return to the same area where the alleged offending occurred.
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Michael Stephen Finch fronted Tamworth Local Court and was in a position to enter pleas to the charges against him, but his solicitor asked for an adjournment so the DPP could decide whether it would take on the case.
"I have spoken to my friends and it seems the DPP want some time to consider," Aboriginal Legal Service solicitor Joseph Healy told the court.
Magistrate Julie Soars agreed to adjourn the case to July and ordered a brief of evidence to be served beforehand.
"So I will note refer to the DPP ... election to be confirmed on the next date," Ms Soars said.
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The prosecution has been given eight weeks to compile evidence in the case against Finch, who is accused of a string of firearm and assault offences.
Finch was granted strict conditional bail two days after his arrest on the outskirts of Tamworth on April 24.
"Bail to continue," Ms Soars said.
The 41-year-old man was seated in court behind his lawyer when the case was called, but raised his hand at the end of the mention.
He told the court he was facing a difficult personal situation and needed his bail to be varied urgently.
Ms Soars told the court the issues could be dealt with later in the week, when she ultimately agreed to change the address Finch was bailed to live at.
Part of Finch's bail conditions were to live away from where his alleged offences were committed at Appleby, about 20km outside Tamworth, and he was barred from entering that area.
I have spoken to my friends and it seems the DPP want some time to consider.
- Joseph Healy, ALS
Following the bail review, Ms Soars agreed to allow Finch to live at a house in Appleby and report to Tamworth police each day.
He still has an overnight curfew; must not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs; must not possess any firearms or ammunition; cannot contact prosecution witnesses; and must be of good behaviour.
He previously had to post $1000 surety to secure his release.
The police case is that Finch was armed with a firearm outside his property when officers were called to Appleby Lane about 10:30am on April 24.
He is accused of pointing a rifle at a group of volunteer fire crews who were conducting controlled burns in the area.
Police allege they spoke with Finch at the time and found three firearms and ammunition inside a vehicle at the property, which were seized.
He was arrested and charged with 13 offences including eight counts of common assault; three counts of not keeping a firearm safely; carrying a firearm in a manner likely injure persons or property; and using an offensive weapon with the intent to commit an indictable offence.
He has not been required to enter pleas. The case was adjourned to July.
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