Thurgoona man facing theft charges still marooned in the Philippines

Michael Graeme Hoffman still wants to fight the four larceny charges, but cannot get on a flight back to Australia.

The charges were before Albury Local Court on Monday, having been adjourned from late November for the same reason.

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Defence lawyer Tim Huggins told magistrate Richard Funston that efforts to repatriate Hoffman had so far come to nothing.

"He still hasn't been able to return," Mr Huggins said.

He said talks had been held with Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and "the member of Parliament to get him up the list and get home".

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Mr Huggins asked the court, in the circumstances, to "roll-over" the charges again "as this is a matter that will be contested".

The allegations are that Hoffman stole dozens of 25-kilogram bags of fertiliser, star pickets and galvanised steel posts, valued at $2978, at Bungowannah between August 21 and 29, 2017.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Andrew Pike raised concern about delays in the case.

"We just don't know how long it's going to be," Sergeant Pike said.

"I'm going to ask for an arrest warrant to be issued. It's not dissimilar if he was in custody in another state."

But Mr Funston said he was willing to be flexible in what was an unusual case.

"I must say there is a legitimate reason why he can't be here," he said.

The court allowed a lengthy adjournment to June 21.

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