Jake Maclennan accused of punching taxi driver and stealing his shoes to get mate into Karratha nightclub

A Queensland man accused of knocking out a taxi driver and stealing his shoes to get a friend into a Karratha nightclub while on bail has had his bail application rejected by the Karratha court. Jake Maclennan appeared before Karratha Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday via videolink from Roebourne Prison on one charge of aggravated burglary. It was alleged by police about on January 24 at 12.02am, Mr Maclennan was out the front of the Onyx bar when he and another male got into a cab to travel to Evolutions nightclub. Police prosecutor Sergeant Colin Guy told the court Mr Maclennan and the other male got out of the cab outside the nightclub without paying. The court heard the taxi driver approached Mr Maclennan while carrying an EFTPOS machine at about 12.09am to get payment for the fare when Mr Maclennan allegedly punched him in the head, knocking him to the ground, and stole the EFTPOS machine. The man’s head hit the concrete and he was knocked out for five minutes. Sgt Guy told the court the two men left the victim lying unconscious on the ground before Mr Maclennan returned two minutes later and stole the victims’ shoes so his friend could get into the nightclub, and spat on him. The victim suffered a head wound and severe concussion. Mr Maclennans’ lawyer Louis Kristopher said his client had a young family and was isolated from friends and his support unit. Sgt Guy said Mr Maclennan was on bail for common assault, assault causing bodily harm and burglary when the incident occurred. Magistrate Gavin McLean said there were no exceptional circumstances to grant bail in this case. “He was on bail for serious charges, charges involving violence, and now comes to court asking for more bail,” he said. “There is a serious concern this is an escalating pattern of behaviour.” The matter was adjourned until April 27 for legal advice.