Lucas Kamana has been released from custody into the hands of Minister of Corrective Services George “Maggie” Angene after probation had specific concerns about his mental wellbeing.

Kamana appeared before Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning in the Criminal Court at Avarua on Thursday last week.

Probation asked for the matter to be adjourned to April 20 and did not object to his release.

Police said there was another matter as Kamana faced an unlawfully found charge on top of a breaching a community service order charge.

JP Kenning asked the court if the defendant needed a residence if he was to be released.

Probation said he would be released in to the care of Angene.

Kamana was told to reside with Angene and not to be out between 7pm and 7am.

The matter was adjourned to April 20.    

Kamana who earlier appeared on charges of unlawfully found and breaching a community service order, pleaded with the court.

He was sentenced on May 25, 2022 on charges of burglary, theft and contempt and reappeared in court five months later when he was sentenced to serve the rest of his probation term of 12 months on community service.

The court heard he had been having issues with accommodation, unemployed, and had been let go from his job due to dishonesty matters.

It was recommended he undergo a mental health assessment.