Bail revoked for man who flipped through porn magazine at nun residence

Kambah man Walter McHughes, 35, appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with trespass and behaving in an offensive manner following the events.

When he was arrested, police said they found on him two pornographic magazines, a used syringe and needle and a pair of underwear owned by one of the women at the residence.

At about 10pm on March 6, one of the sisters was checking the doors were locked when she allegedly saw McHughes on the balcony outside the kitchen flipping through a magazine.

The sister ran down the stairs and told others to call the police.

She told police she saw McHughes walk down into the backyard.

When police arrived shortly after, at about 10.17pm, they found McHughes hiding in a bush in the rear left corner of the yard.

He was arrested on breach of bail conditions. McHughes had been bailed on February 28 on charges of theft, burglary and trespass. Two of the bail conditions were to abide by a curfew from 8pm and 6am and not to consume illicit drugs.

It's alleged he told police he had just injected the drug ice.

In court on Tuesday, the prosecution applied to revoke his bail.

A police constable gave evidence, telling the court the sisters, two of whom were present in court, had reported seeing the man walk past the house three to four times in the last week. He said the women had concerns McHughes would continue to be in the area.

The court heard through the man's defence lawyer that he had schizophrenia and was a consumer of ice. If bailed, McHughes would endeavour to continue to seek treatment for his mental health and drug and alcohol problems, his lawyer said.

However, Magistrate Beth Campbell revoked bail, saying the "likelihood of offending is overwhelming" if he were released.

She noted any reoffending while on bail would result in the harassment and anxiety of the residence's sisters.

No pleas were entered on the two fresh charges.

The case is next due in court on May 9.