Former MP charged with DV says jail 'easier' than onerous bail conditions
Former SA MP Nick McBride has been working as a welder since losing his seat. (ABC South East SA: Sam Bradbrook)
In short:
Nick McBride says he can "fully appreciate that people opt to go back to jail because it's easier" than complying with his onerous bail conditions.
The former SA MP appeared in court to vary his home detention bail conditions, which were granted.
What's next?
Mr McBride will appear in court next month.
A former South Australian MP accused of assaulting his former wife has said he can "fully appreciate that people opt to go back to jail because it's easier" than complying with his onerous bail conditions.
Nick McBride, who held the seat of MacKillop in state's south-east until this year's March election, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today to vary his strict home detention bail conditions imposed after he spent almost a fortnight behind bars earlier this year.
The variations include the lifting of a restriction on alcohol consumption and the allowance for Mr McBride to, at specific times, take trips to the supermarket and exercise outdoors.
Mr McBride is still barred from attending licensed premises.
During an almost hour-long hearing, the court heard that the 57-year-old resides in Adelaide's eastern suburbs and has been issued passes by the Department for Correctional Services staff to stay in Robe on the Limestone Coast on occasions.
It was also heard he has been working as a welder since losing his seat and has found it difficult to find work.
The former MP appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court to vary his strict home detention bail conditions. (ABC News: Che Chorley)
Outside court, Mr McBride said he was pleased with the easing of restrictions but that the conditions of his home detention bail are "really really tough", and he appreciates why people "opt to go back to jail".
"In jail there's more exercise, there's more social activity, there's less responsibility, and I can understand why people in my position can see that as an easier out than working through and navigating the rules that have been imposed on myself," he said.
The former independent MP also said he would continue to work to "clear these allegations".
"It would be a lot easier if I just admitted guilt, put my hands up and it would be all over … but there's no way I'm going to do this,"
he said.
"I'm going to go right through to the end to clear these allegations and to make sure that I am seen as innocent rather than guilty."
The 57-year-old will next appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court next month.
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