Leslie John Clarkson: Geraldton man bailed after allegedly breaching police order by sniffing solvent

A Geraldton man was granted bail after after he was found allegedly breaching a police order and sniffing solvents at a shopping centre on the weekend. Leslie John Clarkson, 39, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court from custody on Monday, July 10, after he was arrested allegedly sniffing solvents at Northgate Shopping Centre on Saturday and breaching a police order not to consume an illicit substance. The court was told Mr Clarkson was allegedly seen sniffing enamel cleaner by security guards at the shopping centre. Police were notified and arrested Mr Clarkson. He was charged with indecent acts in public and disorderly behaviour in public. Defence lawyer Prudence Harrison said Mr Clarkson was recently a victim of a serious assault and requested bail. Police prosecutor Sgt Ross Gray said bail would be a concern if Mr Clarkson continued to act in this manner and told the court any further allegations of sniffing solvents would result in police opposing bail. Magistrate Angus Hockton said being under the influence of solvents could lead to being left vulnerable to assaults and making choices that were not community minded. Mr Clarkson was granted bail and is scheduled to reappear on Thursday, July 27.