Ballina man Nathan Eldridge has been granted conditional bail while facing five charges, including allegedly carrying a knife in public and breaching a domestic apprehended violence order.
He appeared in custody before Judge Robinson of the Bail Division on Thursday.
Eldridge, 35, is accused of breaching a domestic AVO and driving while disqualified. The driving charge is recorded as a second or subsequent offence.
He is also charged with possessing tools that police allege could be used to break into property, carrying a knife in a public place as a subsequent offence, and possessing equipment used to take prohibited drugs.
Nathan Eldridge Ordered to Report Daily
Eldridge was granted bail under conditions requiring him to report to Ballina Police Station every day between 8am and 8pm.
He must live at an approved address and cannot approach or contact the person protected by the AVO or any prosecution witness, except through a lawyer.
He is also prohibited from occupying the driver’s seat of any motor vehicle while on bail.
Alcohol and drug treatment
The court adjourned the matters for MERIT and ordered Eldridge to contact the local service within 48 hours.
He must follow all directions given for assessment or treatment.
MERIT stands for Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment. The local MERIT service is based in Lismore.
It is a voluntary NSW Local Court program that connects eligible adults with alcohol and drug treatment while their court matters are paused.
The program generally runs for 12 weeks, and a person does not need to plead guilty to be assessed for or participate in it.
Nathan Eldridge is due to return to Ballina Local Court on July 30 when the five charges are listed for mention.
The charges remain allegations and have not been proven.
Main Image: Nathan Eldridge Facebook
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