A Cobargo man charged after a police siege in his home town has rejected the services of a solicitor and sworn at the magistrate as his application for bail was rejected.
Samuel Robert Doolin was handcuffed as he represented himself in the dock of Bega Local Court on Tuesday.
He was charged with eight offences, including two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of intimidation and one count of malicious damage, after an incident in the southern NSW town on Monday.
The 40-year-old has also been charged with breaching an apprehended violence order, using an offensive instrument to avoid apprehension, and possessing a prohibited drug, namely cannabis leaf.
His arrest came after emergency services were called to a home on Avernus Street about 10am.
A number of surrounding homes were evacuated by police, residents in nearby properties were told to stay inside and members of the public urged to avoid the area at the time.
Police said Mr Doolin was arrested about 4pm and later released from hospital before he was taken to Bega Police Station and refused bail.
Caretaker kept in
Defence solicitor Ines Chiumento initially represented Mr Doolan in Bega Local Court on Tuesday, where she sought an assessment for a mental health disorder.
She told the court she had received a phone call from her client's mother, also asking for an assessment.
Ms Chiumento was later granted leave to withdraw from the proceedings after the court heard Mr Doolan was "not responsive" to her questioning and became agitated during their discussion.
Mr Doolan was then brought before the court where he made an application for bail, saying he was a caretaker of a property and was required to look after pigs, sheep and plants.
Bail was opposed by the prosecution, who told the court the alleged offences took place over two days — Saturday and Monday — with the latter described as a "serious matter involving a siege" with "numerous police officers involved".
Magistrate Doug Dick refused Mr Doolan's application, saying his explanation "doesn't even come close to satisfying the court that bail should be granted".
Mr Dick adjourned the matter until July 12.
Mr Doolin responded by saying "**** you, your honour" before being escorted from the courtroom by three police officers.
