UPDATED: Bail refused for Launceston man charged with repeated breaches of quarantine requirements

UPDATED: A 50-year-old man being kept in a Government COVID-19 quarantine facility has faced court after allegedly escaping multiple times and “discharging a missile”.

Police Commissioner Darren Hine says police are relying on people in isolation to “do the right thing”. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

A LAUNCESTON man accused of repeatedly breaking his enforced coronavirus quarantine in a Government-hired facility has been refused bail in the Launceston Magistrates Court.

Richard Pollock, 50, appeared before Magistrate Simon Brown by video link in Launceston on Tuesday.

He was charged with failing to comply with a direction of the deputy director of public health, breaches of bail relating to the quarantine non-compliance charges, discharging a missile in public and other offences.

Mr Pollock flew home to Launceston from Western Australia via Victoria on March 25.

That was after the introduction of requirements for local residents returning to the state to be taken directly from the airport to hotels being run by the State Government to ensure they stay in quarantine for 14 days before returning to the community.

Police said they received complaints that Mr Pollock was not complying with the isolation requirements on Sunday and had left the Government facility where he was being kept.

CORONAVIRUS TASMANIA: MAN RETURNED TO HOTEL QUARANTINE

He was arrested, taken to Launceston police headquarters and charged with failing to comply with isolation requirements.

He was bailed with further conditions and returned to the facility to continue his period of isolation.

Police allege the man left his room at the facility again on Monday and was arrested and taken to Launceston police headquarters where he was charged and detained to appear in court on Tuesday.

Prosecution opposed the application for bail and it was refused by Magistrate Simon Brown.

Mr Pollock will appear in court again on Thursday when it is expected he will enter pleas.

Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said police alleged Mr Pollock received several warnings in relation to leaving the premises and about his behaviour.

As of Tuesday morning, Tasmania Police had carried out more than 5000 coronavirus quarantine compliance checks.

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HELP IS AT HAND FOR QUARANTINED TRAVELLERS

Commissioner Hine said there was extra support available to those in quarantine in the hotels including mental health support and alcohol and drug support.

“We’re relying on people to do the right thing,” he said.

Police said they were focused on ensuring those subject to isolation requirements complied and urged anyone with concerns to contact the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 020 080.