Arrest warrant for Robert Samuel Ursida after failing to appear in court for drug and identity theft charges

A man who once stole skill-tester machines is now wanted after failing to attend court to face new drug and identity theft charges.

Robert Samuel Ursida has failed to attend court on drug, identity theft charges. Picture: Nine News

A former skill-tester thief is now a wanted man, with a magistrate telling his lawyer it would be “wise” if the man turned himself in after failing to attend court on new drug and identity theft charges.

On Wednesday, Robert Samuel Ursida, 47, failed to answer his bail requirements and did not appear in the Adelaide Magistrate Court as his counsel attempted to have his charges dismissed.

Magistrate Brian Nitschke did not hear submissions from defence – who said the prosecution not finalising the charges against Mr Ursida was good reason to dismiss them.

Mr Nitschke instead issued a warrant for Mr Ursida’s arrest, and recommended to his counsel the “wisest” thing for Mr Ursida to do was turn himself in.

The Paralowie man was arrested in December after police allegedly spotted him driving a car with a stolen licence plate.

Mr Ursida is now subject to an arrest warrant. Picture: Facebook

Inside the car they found two 650-700ml bottles of liquid GHB and fantasy, the court heard.

Police later attended Mr Ursida’s residence in Parafield Gardens and allegedly found car keys, a bong, 40 blank credit cards, number plates, a card skimmer, two luxury watches including a Rolex, and Medicare cards belonging to other people.

The items were allegedly found under the kickboards of the home’s kitchen cabinet.

He is yet to enter a plea to one count of trafficking in a controlled drug, dishonestly dealing with documents, possessing equipment to commit identity theft, failing to hold a learner’s permit and three counts of unlawful possession.

On Wednesday, the court heard an analysis of the drugs was still outstanding, and prosecutors required more time to send the evidence to the Director of Public Prosecution.

Mr Nitschke put off the remaining files to return to court when Mr Ursida was apprehended.

Mr Ursida was sentenced in 2024 to four months jail, suspended on a two-year good-behaviour bond with 12-month supervision, for stealing three skill-tester machines.

The court heard Mr Ursida had begun drug rehab and gained full-time employment as a mechanic since and needed to help his daughter who suffered from anorexia.