Breach of bail to buy cigs

A troubled young Masterton man with an addiction to sniffing petrol, who is accused of groping a schoolgirl, has appeared in Masterton District Court after being arrested for breaching his bail conditions in Masterton.

Ben Hawea, 22, was remanded in custody until his next court appearance, on April 29 in Wellington District Court, after he was seen by police on Dixon St, Masterton, at 6.30pm on Tuesday.

Hawea had previously been released on bail on April 10 and directed to abide by a 24-hour curfew at his grand-uncle and grand-aunt's house. He signed a bail bond which stipulated that he would adhere to the bail conditions.

Virginia Pearson, assigned counsel for Hawea, told Justice of Peace Don Adams her client had gone into Masterton to buy cigarettes.

Ms Pearson said there were several problems that had arisen which would make it difficult to submit a bail application. She said the difficulties were "two-fold".

"Firstly, the court will require a judge to hear any bail application, and secondly he was given a final warning during his last appearance."

Hawea was remanded in custody, without plea, until April 29.

Hawea initially appeared in Masterton District Court on April 4, accused of indecently assaulting a schoolgirl on March 28 in Masterton. He allegedly talked to the girl before touching her mid-riff and breast.

On that date, Sergeant Jodie Lawrence said the incident was captured on CCTV and police were satisfied the accused was under the influence of petrol at the time of the alleged offence.

Last week, Hawea's grand-uncle Tere Torea told the Wairarapa Times-Age he believed the young man was making progress. He said Hawea had been staying with him and his grand-aunt since his release from prison in February and he questioned why it had been stated in court that he was of "no fixed abode".

Speaking about the curfew, Mr Torea was confident his grand-nephew would abide by the bail conditions.

"It's pretty tough and he's under our feet all the time, but it's worth it," he said.