Extra charges for accused rock thrower

KATINA CURTIS

THE man accused of throwing a rock off a bridge at Kiama Downs in July is now facing six new charges relating to various earlier incidents around Kiama.

One of the additional charges is for damage caused to the car Nicole Miller and her three friends were in that was hit by a rock Peter Hodgkins, of Kiama Downs, allegedly threw on July 22.

He has also been charged with throwing a rock at a stationary freight train at Bombo earlier on the same day.

The other charges relate to an alleged break-in and theft of alcohol from the Kiama Knights Football Club on June 18 this year, allegedly stealing some radios, antennae, fire extinguishers and a gerry can from RailCorp in Kiama on May 25, malicious damage to a car in Gerroa on May 1, and an alleged attempted break-in at a Jehovah's Witness hall in November 2005.

Defence lawyer Garry Leo told the court Hodgkins had given further interviews to police regarding these new charges and that the case had been "substantially strengthened by (his) client".

In light of these new charges, Hodgkins has been given new bail conditions that include a ban from all licensed premises.

Magistrate Paul Johnson said he imposed this condition because it appeared that most or all the offences Hodgkins was charged with related to excess consumption of alcohol.

Under the new bail conditions, Hodgkins will move to an undisclosed address, which is understood to be in the Kiama area, so he is closer to his family and child. He must report to the Kiama Police Station three times a week.

When Hodgkins appeared in Wollongong Local Court last Wednesday, DPP representative Ian Davidson requested that his bail be revoked. Mr Davidson told the court it was usual in cases where a full-time custodial sentence was called for to not grant bail.

However, Magistrate Paul Johnson decided to grant bail again, saying: "He's complied with the bail conditions, he's turned up to court when he's be required to turn up to court and he hasn't committed any further offences."

Hodgkins will reappear before the court on November 14.