Magistrate wanted more information on health issue claims

DRESSED in a hospital gown, with his leg in a cast, Shane Cuthbert appeared via video link in the Mackay Magistrates Court.

Shane Cuthbert. Picture: Contributed

SHANE Cuthbert was in a hospital gown, cast and on crutches when he appeared at the Mackay Magistrates Court yesterday.

He is facing multiple charges including one offence in relation to unauthorised and prohibited explosives, one charge of wilful damage, two contraventions of a domestic violence order, obstructing a police officer and breach of bail.

As he did in court on Wednesday, Cuthbert again sought to have his case heard immediately, despite not having had the opportunity to speak with his newly-appointed Legal Aid Queensland representative, Chris Colwill, who sought to adjourn the matter.

Cuthbert told Magistrate Damian Dwyer he wanted to have the matter dealt with and make a bail application immediately.

Mr Dwyer said he still had not received instructions regarding a previous bail application on March 2.

"... you've been in hospital all the time since so we haven't been able to find anything out," he said.

Cuthbert confirmed he had been in hospital.

"I am currently supervised 24 hours a day by two corrective services officers as I've had eight attempts on my life in the last three weeks," he told the court.

"I'll get a report from the jail to tell me this sort of thing," Mr Dwyer said.

"Mr Cuthbert, it might be news to you, but I just don't simply accept what people say. I need to have some evidence of it to support it all. That's what I'm trying to get now.

"You wanted to give me medical evidence, I haven't received any.

"You've now made new allegations and I have nothing to support it, just what you're saying," Mr Dwyer said.

Cuthbert accepted that the prison would organise an opportunity for him to speak to his Legal Aid representative.

Cuthbert was remanded in custody to reappear via video-link on March 31 for determination of bail.

Originally published as Magistrate wanted more information on health issue claims