BIKER NEWS: Former Rebels bikie Shannon Althouse allowed out of jail to help mum and dad around house

BN- A FORMER bikie who lives with his mum and dad has been granted bail by the Supreme Court, overturning an earlier Magistrates Court decision to keep him locked up.

Last week, Magistrate Greg Cavanagh rejected Shannon Althouse’s bail application despite his lawyer saying he was needed to “help out around the house” because his father is unwell.

“These tasks would include general help, cleaning, ironing, and doing any heavy lifting,” his lawyer said last week.

Althouse is facing a series of charges related to breaching a suspended sentence, and possession of methamphetamine, after a police raid on an apartment where he was staying.

The Magistrates Court also heard that Althouse, who appeared unkempt and with a fresh batch of facial tattoos, had struggled to find work since he was released.

“My client is not presently working, he wants to obtain full-time work,” his lawyer said.

Mr Cavanagh rejected Althouse’s bail, noting his extensive criminal history.

“I note that he’s on parole for very serious charges,” he said. “He was also convicted of breaching bail some time ago.

“In my view I haven’t seen anything to convince me that he should be granted bail, there’s a high chance of him reoffending.”

But Supreme Court Chief Justice Trevor Riley overturned Mr Cavanagh’s decision, granting Althouse bail on a series of strict conditions.

Among other conditions, Althouse will have to be at home with his mum and dad by 8pm each night, will have to report to the Casuarina Police Station three times a week, and will be subject to drug tests.

Chief Justice Riley agreed with a submission from Althouse’s defence lawyer, Beth Wild, who argued that despite his long history of offending, he had always showed up for court appearances. “In a perverse way, the fact that he has been (before the courts) works in his favour,” he said.

Chief Justice Riley expressed reservations about Althouse’s mum’s ability to control his drug use.

“If she’s supposed to be at work, she’s not going to be there (to supervise him),” he said.

Chief Justice Riley’s decision came despite concerns raised by DPP prosecutor Anna Swindley that a $2000 surety put forward by Althouse’s stepbrother could have been raised by the proceeds of crime.

Members of the drug squad were present in court, with Ms Wild noting they would likely show “great interest” in Althouse.

“I’m sure they’ll be there at 8 o’clock on the dot,” she said.

Chief Justice Riley said he regarded the prosecution case as strong. The case will be heard in the Magistrates Court at a date to be fixed.

More: http://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/former-rebels-bikie-shannon-althouse-allowed-out-of-jail-to-help-mum-and-dad-around-house/story-fnk0b1zt-1227526629830