A man was taken from Hastings District Court by ambulance after he jumped out of the dock during a court appearance. Photo/Duncan Brown
A man was taken from Hastings District Court by ambulance after he jumped out of the dock during a court appearance. Photo/Duncan Brown
A patched Mongrel Mob member attempted to make a dash for freedom yesterday, jumping over a glass pane in the dock in the Hastings District Court after his bail application was declined.
Travis John Rihia, 31, appeared in court late yesterday afternoon charged with setting a man trap with intentto injure. He entered a plea of not guilty and his lawyer, Antony Willis, lodged a bail application on his behalf, which was opposed by police.
As Judge Anne-Marie Skellern declined the application and remanded Rihia in custody, he grew increasingly agitated before jumping out of the dock and attempting to make his way out of the court. Rihia landed on the press bench before running towards the exit, with court security officers in pursuit.
He made it to the door of the courtroom before suffering a medical episode.
An ambulance was called and the public gallery of the courtroom cleared as Judge Skellern took an adjournment.
Rihia was taken to the Hawke's Bay Hospital by ambulance. He was later discharged into police custody.
The single charge of setting a man trap with intent to injure any persons will next be before the court in March. The offence is alleged to have occurred on Monday in Waipawa and will be heard in the Waipukurau District Court. It carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
