The brother of a man facing burglary charges has pleaded through tears with the court to release him, to help care for their wheelchair bound father.

Solomone Taufahema appeared before Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning in the Criminal Court on Thursday.

A man who identified himself as Taufahema’s brother, was sitting in the public gallery when he asked JP Kenning if he could address the court.

Referring to Taufahema as his little brother, the man broke down in tears as he explained their family situation.

JP Kenning advised him the court was not a place for an argument.

He told the court his little brother had stayed out of trouble for a long time, despite police saying Taufahema had a lengthy criminal history.

“We have been going through a hard time, he has been looking after my old man who is in a wheelchair.”

He told the court he had recently been released after a five-year stretch in jail.

“Is there any chance you guys can let him out, maybe on a 24-hour curfew; sorry I am really emotional.”

As the man started sobbing, he again asked for a 24-hour curfew.

“I’m really sorry for being emotional; I am not making this up, I just got out of jail, five years in jail.”

JP Kenning said she could understand his position, but the offending was serious.

“I have been through the system,” the man said.

“He is doing better than I am, I am asking on his behalf, I need his help.”

JP Kenning said the matter was serious and that Taufahema was considered high risk.

Police were seeking a two-week remand in custody.

The court earlier heard from the police prosecutor who had been instructed to oppose bail.

The matter was serious and the defendant had previously appeared in court on dishonesty and burglary charges.

“His history speaks for itself,” police prosecutor senior sergeant Fairoa Tararo said.

“He doesn’t comply with bail conditions, the matter is still being investigated.

“He is a high-risk offender.”

JP Kenning, in summing up, said, while the court empathised with the situation, it unfortunately had to administer the law.

Taufahema was remanded in custody for two weeks, JP Kenning reminded him to contact a lawyer.

He is due to reappear in court on February 8.