A man has been remanded in custody for allegedly showing "flagrant disregard" for COVID-19 health orders by refusing to wear a mask and get tested after he became a casual contact from visiting an exposure site.
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Joshua Malachi James Montgomery appeared via phone in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday charged with three counts of failing to comply with direction without reasonable excuse in the territory.
The court heard that Mr Montgomery, who has not pleaded to the charges, was a casual contact after being at one of Canberra's Club Lime locations, which is listed as a Covid exposure site.
His neighbours made at least three reports to police on Sunday after they saw him allegedly "coming and going" at his premises and being outside without a mask despite ACT Health notifying him to isolate and get tested.
The defendant, who was released from custody in April after serving time for theft and aggravated burglary, allegedly disregarded the health directions.
A prosecutor said it appeared his actions were a "flagrant disregard for the health orders".
"It's not just [the safety of] the community but also his neighbours," she said.
"He refused to get a COVID-19 test ... it does pose a great public health risk."
Mr Montgomery, in his 20s, also faces unrelated burglary and theft charges to which he has not pleaded.
The prosecutor opposed bail on the likelihood he may endanger the community by disregarding health orders and the likelihood he may commit offences similar to the burglary and theft charges based on his criminal history.
"It (criminal history) indicates an ongoing disregard for court orders," she said.
Mr Montgomery's defence lawyer said despite her client's criminal history, he was not on any court orders at the time of the alleged theft and burglary.
She said he was now "well aware of the conditions and requirements imposed on him by the public health directions".
"It is something that is an evolving situation ... taking some time for us to get used to," she said.
"The courts and the police will take these breaches very seriously."
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She also said that it was commendable he did not come to police attention before the alleged theft and burglary on July 20 this year.
The defence lawyer proposed that her client not contact the complainant related to the theft and burglary charges and for him to comply with public health orders.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker refused bail, citing his recent release from custody and "extensive history" relating to dishonesty and drugs.
Ms Walker also said a breach of public health orders "has very significant and potential ramifications for the health of the community as a whole".
She said she was not satisfied the bail conditions proposed would address the prosecution's concerns.
He is scheduled to front court again on September 6.
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