Joe Dryden, father of prominent Newcastle boxer Kyron Dryden, bailed over raft of charges
The father of popular Newcastle boxer Kyron ‘The Hitman’ Dryden is facing a raft of charges, but has been released on bail with ‘great concerns for his welfare’.
Manly
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The father of popular Newcastle boxer, Kyron ‘The Hitman’ Dryden has been released on bail with “great concerns for his welfare”.
Former boxer Joe Dryden, 45 — who was arrested on an outstanding warrant after he missed court dates late last year relating to driving offences and was convicted in his absence — fronted Newcastle Local Court on Thursday to make an annulment application.
Dryden has a raft of charges hanging over his head. He has pleaded guilty to breaching an AVO in 2018 but has pleaded not guilty to expired license; driving whilst disqualified; driving a stolen hire car; using a mobile phone to allegedly harass his ex-wife and possess prohibited drug and a weapon — thought to be pepper spray.
A charge of larceny was also withdrawn.
Giving evidence Dryden was asked “did you miss court in November and again in December” to which he replied “yes, I missed it”.
“My memory is not the best,” he told the court.
Dryden’s solicitor Chris O’Brien explained to Magistrate Robert Stone his client was probably the most unsophisticated person he had ever represented.
“He’d be right down the bottom of people I have ever represented,” Mr O’Brien said.
A boxer since the age of 12, Mr O’Brien said his client had clear memory issues and had sustained a brain injury from his time in the ring.
“Did you have any head traumas,” O’Brien asked, “every week,” Dryden replied.
“Has it affected your intellect and memory?”. “Yes,” he replied.
Dryden argued in relation to his charge over driving a stolen hire car from Thrifty Car Hire in Charlestown in October last year, he just didn’t take it back in time.
There was also confusion about when his license had actually expired, with his traffic record showing it had ended in April 2019, while his actual license showed it didn’t expire until August 2020. That charge was annulled.
Before all matters were adjourned until next week, Mr O’Brien made a bail application on behalf of his client.
He told the court due to numerous and “complex” mental health issues identified, it was imperative for Dryden to be released.
“There are great concerns for the welfare of Mr Dryden,” Mr O’Brien said.
“There is a plan in motion for Mr Dryden, to see a neurologist to get a clean assessment of what is going on.
“Clearly the experts who have seen him, have indicated some issues.
“He wants to work on his mental health, repressed memories.”
Magistrate Stone hesitated to grant bail but eventually agreed to strict conditions, including reporting to police every day, not to drink alcohol or take drugs and surety he would be reminded of daily police and medical appointments into the future.