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 intent to 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.