One week after being featured in Richmond Police District’s Warrant Wednesday appeal, a Northern Rivers man has been arrested and refused bail.
Jayden Gomes, 25, of Lismore, appeared from custody before Judge L Robinson in Bail Division Court on Wednesday after being arrested on outstanding warrants.
It was his second appearance before Judge Robinson in 12 days. She had granted him conditional bail on August 21.
At that earlier hearing, Gomes was facing five charges: two counts of damaging property valued at $2,000 or less, one count of larceny involving property valued at $2,000 or less and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.
Judge Robinson released Gomes on conditions requiring him to live at an approved address, report to Coraki Police Station every day and abstain from alcohol and drugs unless prescribed by a doctor.
Three days later, Gomes was due to appear before Judge M Dakin at Lismore Local Court but did not attend.
The court recorded that he had not followed his bail conditions before Judge Dakin convicted him of all five offences in his absence.
Warrants were issued so Gomes could be brought back before the court and the cases finalised.
Two days later, Richmond Police District featured Gomes in its Warrant Wednesday appeal, saying he was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant and was known to frequent the Goonellabah and Coraki areas.
At Wednesday’s Bail Division hearing following his arrest, police prosecutor Sergeant Findlay opposed Gomes’ release.
Sergeant Findlay told the court Gomes had not reported to police at all while on bail and argued further conditions would not be enough to ensure he returned to court.
Defence Lawyer, Marta Mamarot said Gomes missed his scheduled court appearance because he slept through the day and missed the allocated time.
The defence also raised Gomes’ mental health and learning difficulties.
“It appears pretty clear that Mr Gomes will not willingly attend court,” Judge Robinson said.
“These matters must be finalised somehow.”
The judge found there was “an unacceptable risk that he simply won’t turn up to court” and refused bail.
Gomes also faces four new charges of failing to attend court as required while on bail.
Those charges remain allegations and have not been decided.
Gomes remains in custody ahead of his next appearance at Lismore Local Court September 7.
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Image: Richmond Police District/The Coast Report