UPDATE — Thursday, July 16: This story has been updated following Christopher Bennett’s return to the Bail Division after an overnight mental-health assessment.
A Ballina man who breached bail three times in six weeks has been refused release after returning to court on Thursday.
Christopher Bennett, 42, appeared by video from custody before Judge Robinson, this time represented by a lawyer.
His lawyer told the court Bennett had settled considerably since received an injection at Lismore Base Hospital overnight.
His highly agitated appearance a day earlier was not present and was now able to speak clearly, give instructions and ask for bail.
In applying for bail, Bennett’s lawyer argued that his mental-health conditions would make him vulnerable in custody.
Repeated breaches drive bail refusal
Police prosecutor Sergeant Ashlee Uren opposed Bennett’s release, focusing on his repeated failure to follow previous orders.
“The issue mainly is the problem with non-compliance,” Sergeant Uren said.
“He’s already had three breaches of bail in 2026.”
The court was also told Bennett had an outstanding Queensland warrant dating from 2025 for allegedly failing to appear over a stealing matter.
Judge Robinson said Bennett’s agitation the previous day was believed to have been caused by illicit drug use and noted that he appeared “much more settled today”.
While she accepted the individual allegations were not among the most serious of their kind, she remained concerned by their alleged repetition.
“It is that repetition of offending over a lengthy period of time that is the primary concern,” Judge Robinson said.
How the six weeks unfolded
Bennett was granted conditional bail on June 3 over existing matters involving stalking or intimidation, theft, deception and carrying a visible knife in public in a way that caused fear.
His conditions included reporting to police every day, attending treatment and staying away from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs.
By June 17, Bennett was back in custody. The court found he had failed to report and breached his drug and alcohol condition, but Judge Viney allowed him to remain on bail.
Three days later, on June 20, Bennett was charged with shoplifting, drug possession and having suspected stolen goods. Police granted him bail.
Bennett returned over another bail breach on June 28. He was again allowed to remain on bail but was given a formal warning.
Four more charges were laid on July 14.
Two involved an alleged breach of an apprehended violence order and drug possession.
The other two—property damage and stalking or intimidation—arose from claims Bennett intimidated a neighbour and broke pots.
Police granted bail on the AVO and drug charges but refused it on the property damage and intimidation allegations.
Those cases brought the number of fresh charges to seven.
During Bennett’s appearance on Wednesday , Judge Robinson found he had breached bail for a third time by allegedly committing further offences.
Bennett appeared extremely agitated, and his speech was incoherent and difficult to follow. Judge Robinson said he appeared “a bit elevated” and was “not making a lot of sense” before ordering that he be taken to Lismore Base Hospital for assessment.
Bennett will return to Ballina Local Court by video from custody on July 23.
The seven fresh charges remain allegations and have not been proven.
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