A MOUNT Gambier man involved in a violent home invasion where shots were fired at a house in Port MacDonnell last month was released on home detention bail yesterday.
Tyson Ronald James Ratcliffe, 33, appeared via video-link in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court where the prosecution revealed they were no longer opposed to bail.
Ratcliffe and co-accused Dermott Wayne Von Stanke, 23, allegedly pulled up at the victim’s home with three other people in the early hours of July 27.
A gunshot was fired from their vehicle before three people then entered the house and assaulted the occupant.
Following the assault, the group stole the victim’s Harley Davidson motorcycle and fled the scene.
The court has heard Ratcliffe was one of the people who waited outside the house while the assault took place.
A vehicle believed to be linked to the incidents was located by police in Mount Gambier on Saturday afternoon and seized for forensic examination.
Three further vehicles have also been seized for examination.
The prosecution said ammunition was located in a vehicle, which belonged to Ratcliffe.
He was arrested on July 31 and has been in custody while a home detention report was ordered.
The prosecution previously indicated they were opposed to bail, however their position changed in court yesterday.
“We are not as strongly opposed to bail as we were on the last occasion, given his lack of prior history for like offending,” the prosecution said.
“However, we are concerned about his drug and alcohol abuse.”
With the home detention address deemed suitable, the prosecution said it was not inappropriate for the court to grant home detention bail in the circumstances.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson said she was prepared to grant the defendant home detention bail on strict conditions.
“These charges are very serious… this is bail of the last resort and if you breach it you will be choosing to put yourself in jail for a very long time,” Magistrate Anderson said.
“You are going to need to be on your best behaviour.”
Ratcliffe was granted home detention bail and the matter was adjourned for a charge determination on March 16, 2020.
The defendant will appear again on August 27 for lesser firearms charges.
