A man who escaped jail after he fatally ran over his girlfriend at a New Year's Eve party in Canberra's northern suburbs has lost his bid for bail after he was extradited from NSW to face a fresh charge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Wayne Rino Antoniazzo,✓ 29, was acquitted of manslaughter and culpable driving causing the death of Amaranta Vrinalin Vega when he faced the ACT Supreme Court two years ago.
Miss Vega, 18, died from injuries she sustained when Antoniazzo drove over her in his car following a heated argument at a party in Gungahlin in the early hours of January 1, 2008.
He denied he had knowingly run over his girlfriend and said she was wearing a dark tracksuit as he drove down a dark and unfamiliar Mary Gillespie Avenue.
Antoniazzo appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday to face a disqualified driving charge that was outstanding in relation to the fatal incident, as well as a fresh charge of failure to appear in court.
He has pleaded guilty to both charges.
The court heard Antoniazzo had given officers false details when he was involved in a short police chase in NSW on Saturday.
They later found him hiding in a cupboard when they searched his Nowra home.
NSW Police issued a warrant for his arrest in Nowra Local Court before he was extradited to the ACT on Monday.
His application for bail was opposed by prosecutor Anthony Williamson, who said Antoniazzo now had no ties to the ACT and a history of failing to appear in court.
He also had three outstanding warrants for his arrest in Queensland.
ACT Policing first constable Brett Arnold said police had tried to track down Antoniazzo for several years.
He said they also believed he had links to the Rebels outlaw motorcycle group.
Antoniazzo's Legal Aid lawyer Hugh Jorgensen said his client had lived in Nowra with his partner and three young children for several months.
His job at a plastering business would be at risk if he was sent to jail, and his partner would face ''significant difficulties'' meeting rental payments, Mr Jorgensen said.
He said Antoniazzo's father was willing to provide surety.
Antoniazzo wore prison greens during his court appearance. He kissed his partner and seven-month-old baby, who were joined in the courtroom by his father.
Mr Williamson said the fact time in jail was ''a very real prospect'' would make it more likely he would not appear.
Magistrate Bernadette Boss✓said a prison term was ''not a foregone conclusion, but it was definitely within range''.
Ms Boss said there was ''some considerable incentive'' for Antoniazzo to not front court and she did not believe a surety would be effective.
She said Antoniazzo had evaded police, lied about his identity and had been aware there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest for some time.
He was denied bail and will next face court next Tuesday.
