No bail for alleged Hamilton motel room burglar

Damian Kevin Messina, 45, entered no plea in relation to an alleged burglary of the Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre in Hamilton last week. Photo / Belinda Feek

An alleged "smooth-talking" 45-year-old man charged with cleaning out a Hamilton motel room has appeared in court.

Damian Kevin Messina, from the city suburb of Claudelands, entered no plea to a charge of burglary when he appeared before Judge Robert Spear in the Hamilton District Court today.

His counsel, Rob Quin, didn't bother with a bail application today, stating he will address the issue at his next appearance - along with entering a plea.

Messina was remanded in custody to reappear on March 2.

Motel owner Mark Nolan earlier told the Herald a man allegedly convinced their receptionist that a guest had nearly been abducted and he was there to retrieve her belongings, allegedly taking everything from the food in the fridge to family journals.

The complainants, a couple who were in town on a business trip, were out when the alleged burglary took place.

Nolan said the man said the supposed "kidnapped" woman was now safe and he was there to retrieve her belongings.

Messina is alleged to have had a working key for the room.