No bail for chef on five driving charges

A 28-year-old Arrowtown chef was remanded in custody by justice of the peace Joy McDonald in the Queenstown District Court yesterday.

Michael Allan Rapson was remanded without plea to reappear on Monday, facing five charges relating to a car chase near Cromwell on Sunday night.

Rapson faces one charge of dishonestly and without claim of right, but not so as to be guilty of theft, taking for his own purpose a Subaru Legacy, valued at $8500, property of Keeley McGaw, in Arrowtown on Sunday; two charges of failing to stop for police at Cromwell and two charges of dangerous driving - one on State Highway 6 between Cromwell and McNulty Rd and one at Bannockburn Rd.

Prosecuting Sergeant Ian Collin opposed bail for Rapson, who was arrested on Monday morning, on grounds relating to public safety.

Sgt Collin said Rapson had issues with drugs and alcohol which had led to his most recent alleged offending.

''It's clearly about managing the risk. The police say there is too serious a risk to manage here.

''He was sentenced to supervision in 2013 ... [which included] measures to address his obvious problem.''

Sgt Collin said it was alleged Rapson had been drinking during Sunday afternoon, therefore, he doubted a no-alcohol condition and a curfew would be sufficient.

However, duty solicitor Rachel Napier believed if appropriate bail conditions were imposed, including not to consume alcohol or drugs and not to drive, Rapson would abide by them.

While Rapson was ''not bailable as of right'' in accordance with the Bail Act, he must be released ''unless there is just cause for continued detention''.

Ms Napier submitted despite the charges he faced, holding him in custody was ''not just cause''.

''He has no history whatsoever of offending whilst on bail.''

Despite the position set out by police in the opposition to bail, that prison was ''inevitable'', Ms Napier submitted that was not the case. However, Ms McDonald agreed with the police in denying bail.

''You have ... drug and alcohol problems. You have got a large list of previous criminal history and you have got five new charges that have been laid.

''I can't afford the risk of [releasing you on bail].''

 

 

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