Man bailed after being tackled by Asher Keddie’s husband Vincent Fantauzzo during alleged attempted theft
A man who allegedly broke into the home of television star Asher Keddie before being tackled by her husband while attempting to steal a motorbike has been bailed.
James Powell, 44, is accused of breaking into a garage belonging to Keddie and her acclaimed artist husband Vincent Fantauzzo on the morning of December 28.
The court was previously told while he was wheeling out a $40,000 Ducati Scrambler motorbike, with the helmet in hand, Keddie heard a noise before discovering the alleged thief and screamed for her husband.
Fantauzzo ran down the side path of their St Kilda home yelling for Powell to stop and reached for the accused’s shoulder when Powell turned and allegedly swung, connecting with the artist’s face in an effort to escape.
But the artist tackled the accused, leading to a scuffle on the ground where Powell was allegedly restrained with the help of a passer-by until police arrived.
The accused lost consciousness shortly after police arrested him and paramedics had to be called to take him to hospital, with a drug overdose possibly brought on by the physical confrontation.
The magistrate imposed strict bail conditions, including living at his mother’s Altona address and not leaving the state or contacting any prosecution witnesses.
Powell must also abide by a 9pm to 6am curfew and is required to comply with the requirements of his court support program, including engaging with NDIS provider Prestige Community Care, and intervention orders.
Powell’s lawyer told the court his mother had been in contact with his NDIS provider and they were prepared to work in collaboration to ensure he succeeds with the program.
Wearing a green prison jumper, the accused asked the magistrate if he was able to travel into the CBD on Tuesday for his first appointment.
“Get there early. If the appointment is at 2pm, get there at 1.30pm,” the magistrate responded.
Powell has been charged with aggravated burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, trespass and unlawful assault.
He has previously indicated he would fight the charges.
Fantauzzo is a world-renowned artist who has won the Archibald Prize’s People’s Choice Award four times and painted former prime minister Julia Gillard’s official portrait on display in parliament house.
Keddie is best known for her role in Australian drama Offspring where she won the Gold Logie and has won the Most Popular Actress Logie five times in a row.