A repeat COVID-19 rule breaker has been released from custody following his latest foiled attempt to cross the border at Albury.
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Jamie Briggs, police told Albury Local Court through tendered facts, "appears to show no regards for the Public Health Act restrictions".
The 26-year-old Queensland resident has repeatedly tried to enter NSW and was fined in Sydney on September 12 for a breach under the health act.
He was then caught travelling in a taxi without a permit at the Hume Highway checkpoint in Albury three days later, and told police he was crossing over to "stay at a mate's".
The 26-year-old was arrested and taken back to the Albury Police Station, where he declined to be interviewed by the officers.
Briggs, who lives outside Brisbane, was charged with failing to comply with a noticed direction under the coronavirus measures.
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He was banned from entering NSW as part of his bail conditions, other than to attend court.
But the 26-year-old was arrested at the same site on September 26, again in the back of a taxi.
"I've come to do shopping, you have better shops," he told police at the Hume Highway checkpoint.
He was supposed to be living in Dandenong at the time.
Briggs produced a permit showing that he could enter NSW for court, but inquiries made at the checkpoint showed he wasn't due to appear until Monday.
As a result, he was charged again and stayed locked up in custody until his appearance on Monday.
Briggs had initially intended to contest one of the two breaches, much to the surprise of magistrate Richard Funston.
"You either comply with the COVID order or you don't," the magistrate said.
Briggs reconsidered his position.
"I plead guilty to both charges, your honour," he said from Junee.
The court heard he had spent two weeks in custody as a result of the incidents, which is the recommended isolation period.
The 26-year-old has had recent periods of homelessness and financial difficulties.
Briggs was fined $2000 by Mr Funston and released from custody.
The magistrate said he could work off the penalties through community work.
"But next time you'll get a jail sentence," he said.