Anthony Gallego sentenced at Coffs for breaching Covid-19 health order

A 52-year-old Coffs Harbour man who has battled addiction and depression has been convicted and fined for breaching a public health order for Covid-19. But his lawyer said he had a valid reason for doing it.

A 52-year-old who has experienced periods of homelessness has been convicted and fined for breaching a public health order.

Anthony Feriand Gallego appeared in Coffs Harbour Local Court on Monday.

His lawyer Erica Timmins told the court Mr Gallego, who suffers addiction and depression, was homeless at the time of the offence and did “not have the luxury” of a home in which to self isolate after coming in close contact with somebody who had Covid-19 in January.

When he found out he was a potential close contact he had a Covid-19 test but then failed to self isolate, the court heard.

Ms Timmins told the court her client had taken steps to turn his life around, finding employment as a dishwasher at Guru’s Indian Restaurant and engaging with various social services.

“He is taking steps to address his mental health and has an appointment today for a mental health plan.”

Magistrate Ian Rodgers acknowledged his circumstances and his early guilty plea but said his criminal history was “atrocious”.

Mr Gellago was convicted and fined $500 for failing to comply with a self-isolation direction.