Offender found after Facebook tip-off denied bail

An alleged offender who was chased through Rotorua after a Facebook tip-off to police, has been denied bail after appearing in court. Photo / File

An alleged offender chased through Rotorua by police after a Facebook tip-off has been denied bail, with his lawyer admitting the odds were stacked against him.

Samuel William Christopher O'Toole, 20, appeared in the Rotorua District Court yesterday where his lawyer Gisele Schweizer made an application for bail.

Last Wednesday, O'Toole had been wanted by Rotorua police and they received tip-offs after posting his picture on their Facebook page. Later that day he was chased and eventually arrested in the CBD.

As a result of that incident, O'Toole has been charged with assaulting a female constable to avoid arrest, resisting arrest and escaping custody.

Mrs Schweizer told Judge Chris McGuire her client knew he faced a "large uphill battle" to obtain bail, which was opposed by both police and the probation service.

She said he was desperate for one last chance and did not want to return to prison.

Judge McGuire refused the application.

"I'm sorry, you have put yourself in jail today," he told O'Toole.