Lucas Kamana appeared in court after failing to make an appearance on Wednesday last week.

Accused warned

A bench warrant was issued for his arrest on Wednesday.

He is facing two theft charges, breaching a community service order, and two contempt of court charges.

Kamana is accused of stealing a mobile phone charger on May 2, 2021, an item of clothing on April 29, 2021, disobeyed a curfew on July 5, 2021, breached a community service order on August 21, 2021, and failed to report to police on December 24, 2021.

Defence lawyer Mark Short told the court he had received a letter from Kamana’s employer who asked the court to release him so he could return to work and live with his employer.

The court heard Kamana’s family had disowned him.

The probation officer said there was no excuse for Kamana’s non-appearance in court on Wednesday as officers had met with him on Tuesday.

Justice of Peace Georgina Williams asked police if the defendant was to be remanded in custody.

The police prosecutor said no and asked for a new bail document to show his new residence with his employer.

JP Williams told Kamana there was no excuse for him not turning up to court.

“You are lucky you are not remanded in prison, the problem is not going to go away.”

His next non-appearance would mean a remand in custody, JP Williams said.

Bail conditions included not being out between 7pm and 7am, not communicating with witnesses and reporting to police on Fridays.

The matter was adjourned to April 13.

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Defendant excused

A man facing assault and breach of protection order charges was excused from court due to mental health issues.

Lawyer Michelle Tangimama said her client, Alan Heather would not appear in court, she had contacted him and he was undergoing mental health issues.

Tangimama was appearing for him on a breach of final protection order charge, and told the court she was also representing him on an assault with intent to injure charge.

She asked for police disclosure.

“In terms of moving forward, I’m not sure whether there is a community order in place.”

The police prosecutor said Heather was receiving medication and agreed to disclosure.

JP Williams excused the defendant due to mental health issues and adjourned the matter to be fixed by the court registrar.