Andrew Bordiuk: serial court skipper bailed again

A Canberra man who has failed to appear at court three times has been granted bail, but not without a stern warning from the Chief Magistrate. Here’s what she had to say.

A serial court skipper has been released on bail at the ACT Magistrates Court.

Stirling man Andrew Bordiuk pleaded guilty to three traffic charges in August 2021; drink driving, driving without proper control and failing to give particulars after a crash.

However the man is now facing three additional charges of failing to appear in court.

Bordiuk has not entered pleas for the three fail to appear charges.

Andrew Bordiuk leaves the ACT Law Courts on July 6 2022. He pleaded guilty to traffic charges including drink driving in August 2021 however he failed to appear in court for sentencing on three separate occasions. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

On Wednesday Bordiuk applied for bail which was opposed by the prosecution due to his history of failing to appear in court.

Bordiuk’s lawyer, Edward Chen from ACT Legal Aid, told the court his client was the carer of his sick mother and said he recently suffered from a bout of seizures.

Following an adjournment which was used to get more information about the defendant’s health situation, Chief magistrate Lorraine Walker told the court the seizures Bordiuk had suffered appeared to be a result of his attempts to quit alcohol.

She stated the prosecution had made strong arguments against granting bail.

Andrew Bordiuk has been granted bail with strict conditions. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Ms Walker ultimately released Bordiuk on bail and told the court her decision was based on the need for the man to access health treatment.

In making the order the magistrate gave Bordiuk a stern warning.

“(In August last year you had) barely any criminal history,” she said.

“By not coming to court you have increased your risk of prison.”

Under bail conditions Bordiuk cannot drive, cannot drink, must accept supervision by ACT corrections and must follow any treatment advice from the Court Alcohol and Drug Assessment Service (CADAS).

The serial court skipper will be sentenced on July 28.