More delays in case of dumped drums accused

When Jason Lee Atkins did not appear in a Yeppoon court on Thursday a warrant was issued for his arrest, but then he showed up and the matter took another twist.

Jason Lee Atkins.

When dumped drums accused Jason Lee Atkins did not appear in a Yeppoon court on Thursday a warrant was issued for his arrest, but then he showed up and the matter took another twist.

Mr Atkins, 38, was charged with wilfully causing material environmental harm following a Department of Environment and Science investigation.

He has not been required to enter a plea and the matter has been adjourned numerous times.

When Mr Atkins did not appear in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on Thursday, and after a solicitor representing him had called his name three times, Magistrate Jason Schubert acted.

“We spoke with him on Tuesday and he was coming to court this morning and again hasn’t showed,” the solicitor said.

Mr Schubert responded: “He’s got a history of not showing on multiple occasions.”

The magistrate forfeited Mr Atkins’ bail and ordered a warrant be issued.

Mr Schubert was later made aware that Mr Atkins was present at the courthouse, and after speaking with Mr Atkins briefly, the magistrate made him sit in the back of the court until all other matters had been dealt with.

When the magistrate returned to Mr Atkins’ matter, it was revealed that Mr Atkins had earlier in the morning made contact with the court via email.

“That’s probably the only reason why today I’m going to withdraw and cancel the warrant,” Mr Schubert said.

“Mr Atkins, you’ve got to make sure you don’t do this again because on the next occasion with your history of failing to attend, you’ll probably find you’re going to be locked up in custody, so make sure you get here.”

Mr Schubert granted Mr Atkins bail and his matters were adjourned until July 22.

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