Arrogant, dangerous – man faces court for sneaking across border
A 28-year-old man acted in an “arrogant and dangerous” way by sneaking into Queensland after being refused entry into the state three times.
Queensland will close its border to all of New South Wales and the ACT from 1:00am on Saturday. Photo: ABC
James Steven Nech admitted failing to comply with a COVID-19 direction when he appeared by video-link in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Nech was arrested on Monday when he was found with his partner and two children at his house in the Brisbane suburb of Indooroopilly.
Four days prior he was refused entry into Queensland from NSW three times, receiving a $4003 fine on his last attempt.
The court heard Nech told police he had walked over the border, but would not say how he got home.
He had visited the Tweed area, just south of the border, on August 20, telling the court he panicked when told he could not return in his vehicle with only a general pass.
Queenslanders are only allowed to enter the state from NSW with an exemption issued by the chief health officer. Those given an exemption are required to quarantine for 14 days.
Magistrate Andrew Moloney said Nech chose not to enter Queensland lawfully, potentially putting the community at risk.
“Your conduct is arrogant and dangerous,” he told Nech.
“I am told you panicked, but you were persistent in coming back to Queensland when you knew you were not allowed to.”
Mr Moloney ordered Nech to do 200 hours of unpaid community service, saying he needed “to learn some sense”.
Nech is required to quarantine for 14 days once released from custody.
No conviction was recorded.
-AAP
