Traffic ‘chicken’ held in custody
A man who got drunk and played “chicken” in the traffic has ended up in custody for his own safety.
The drunken incident was a breach of bail terms for Robin Amai – the third time he has breached his bail since the start of February.
When Christchurch District Court Judge David Saunders was told the details yesterday, he said that 49-year-old Amai’s antics could have got himself killed.
He was picked up by the police on Tuesday night after getting drunk, running up the middle of Hereford Street, waving his arms and trying to kick the passing cars, prosecutor Sergeant Iain Patton told the court.
He struggled and had to be restrained by the police who approached him.
Amai pleaded guilty to the charge of disorderly behaviour. Amai’s explanation in court was simply to shrug as he stood in the dock and say, “I’m an alcoholic, Your Honour.”
Defence counsel Andrew McKenzie asked for bail to be continued. He explained that Amai’s bail conditions banning him from using alcohol caused problems because of his alcoholism. He asked for a condition that would ban him being drunk in public, but could let him have a drink at home.
The police charging document shows Amai’s address as, “No fixed abode, Christchurch Central.”
Judge Saunders said it was a third clear breach of bail. “While he says he is an alcoholic, the issue is now his safety.” He remanded Amai in custody for two weeks to March 27, for an earlier assault charge where he had been already on bail. “It will be a chance for him to reflect that if he continues to breach his bail, there is some penalty involved.”
Category: Observations
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