Nelson Bay man, Alec Lewis, charged over breaching coronavirus public health order

A Port Stephens man who was trying to cross the Victorian/NSW border, after being told previously to self isolate, has been charged with breaching a COVID-19 public health order.

Motorist travelling between Albury and Wodonga on the Lincoln Causeway. Picture: NCA NewsWire / SIMON DALLINGER

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A Port Stephens man who ignored an order to self-isolate, travelling between Victoria and NSW, has been charged with breaching a COVID-19 public health order.

Officers from Operation Border Closure were conducting permit checks at a checkpoint on the Hume Highway, Albury, when they stopped a vehicle about 9.30pm on Monday and spoke with the driver.

Alec Lewis, 49, from Nelson Bay told police he travelled into Victoria on August 1 and did not have a current permit to re-enter NSW.

But police found out he had previously re-entered NSW on July 19 with his permit directing he self-isolate at his Nelson Bay home.

A Nelson Bay man trying to cross back in NSW at Albury checkpoint was charged for breaching a COVID-19 health order. Picture: NCA NewsWire / SIMON DALLINGER

It was revealed Mr Lewis had breached the direction to self-isolate on July 23, when local police conducted a compliance check and were unable to locate him.

Police allege he also became aggressive and argumentative and, after being advised that he was being arrested, resisted police and refused to comply with reasonable directions.

He was taken to Albury Police Station, where police allege he also then threw a satchel of cannabis into the rubbish bin.

Mr Lewis was charged with two counts of resist police, not comply with a COVID-19 direction and possess prohibited drug.

In Albury Local Court he was bail refused, his matters adjourned until later this month.