A former navy serviceman accused of trying to hold up a cabbie with a syringe has been given bail to attend a memorial service for his war veteran father.
Geoffrey Richard Hawkins, 32, of Queanbeyan, faces a charge of attempted aggravated robbery after allegedly demanding cash from a taxi driver he flagged down on Northbourne Avenue.
The ACT Magistrates Court heard that Hawkins had been using the drug ''ice'' but his family was offering him ''tough love'' to address his addiction. The court heard Hawkins flagged down the cab on January 22 and asked how much it would cost to go to Queanbeyan but his demeanour, which included looking around nervously and heavy breathing, made the cabbie apprehensive.
When the driver said he had to go, Hawkins allegedly produced a syringe and demanded money but the driver reversed the vehicle suddenly to get away. He called police and followed Hawkins until officers arrived.
The court heard Hawkins had admitted to police he was coming down from an ''ice'' high and police believed he had a substantial drug habit. There were fears he would commit further offences to fund his habit if released on bail.
Defence lawyer Steven Whybrow said the offence had occurred ''out of the blue'' and his client appeared to have turned to ice after suffering psychological issues after the sudden death of his father. He said Hawkins' father was also a military man and had been serving in Afghanistan when he was diagnosed with a tumour, dying within weeks.
Hawkins had an appointment with his doctor on Monday and his family had prepared for him to enter drug rehab.
Magistrate Beth Campbell granted Hawkins bail on a $5000 one-off surety and ordered him to report to police and accept supervision from Corrective Services.
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