Aidan Gomez: Batemans Bay man refused bail after alleged Malua Bay police foot chase

Less than a month after being released from custody, a serial offender has landed himself back behind bars on remand on the state’s South Coast after allegedly leading police on a foot pursuit through a sleepy residential suburb. Find out what happened.

A serial offender has bid for bail after allegedly leading police on a foot pursuit through a sleepy residential suburb less than a month after being released from custody.

Aidan Gomez, 35, was charged with contravening an apprehended violence order and entering enclosed lands without permission after he was allegedly discovered during a police compliance check on a home in Malua Bay, south of Batemans Bay, on September 8.

Gomez, who claimed he was mowing the lawn at the time, allegedly then ran from police before being found taking refuge in a nearby property.

Appearing at the Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, Aboriginal Legal Service solicitor Izzy Atwooll told Magistrate Doug Dick Gomez’s history did not “help him”, as he was at the time of the alleged offending in breach of four separate community corrections orders.

“These are mostly contact breaches of an AVO, not aggregated by violence,” Ms Atwooll said.

“He was found during the alleged offending trespassing, which is a non-custodial offence.

“He is entitled to the presumption of innocence.”

Ms Atwooll told the court Gomez was willing to undergo strict bail conditions should he be released, including the wearing of an ankle monitor, but could not confirm whether a Batehaven hotel Gomez had told the court he was going to stay in after release would accept him.

Furthermore, Magistrate Doug Dick was told by the police prosecutor that Gomez had a “lengthy criminal history”.

Magistrate Dick told the court without an address, release was unacceptable and would be refused.

“This is a matter where I have entertained bail, but an address is required,” he said.

“It is required not just by the court, but by legislation.”

Ms Atwooll could not confirm whether Gomez had been staying at the hotel prior to his apprehension, and told Magistrate Dick he intended to inquire about state housing, but could not confirm when or how long that would take.

Gomez will reappear before the Batemans Bay Local Court on September 9 when pleas are expected to be entered.