Blanket Man ordered to wear undies

The Dom Post reports:

As a condition of bail, it is certainly an odd one. Ben Hana, well known around Wellington as Blanket Man, was freed from prison in time to enjoy New Year celebrations, on the proviso that he wear underwear.

Ha, we’ll see how long that lasts.

Especially amusing in the article was his lawyer’s attempt to portray any display of genitals as accidential, but sadly for her the Judge himself has seen Blanket Man in action:

In applying for bail, his lawyer, Maxine Dixon, said Hana intended to contest allegations that he exposed himself to children. “In the past it has been because he is asleep or intoxicated on the street.

“He wears high-risk clothing. It’s a way of life rather than a deliberate attempt at lewdness,” Ms Dixon said.

Judge Tom Broadmore was sceptical of Ms Dixon’s explanation: “I was walking down Courtenay Place and I’m sure he was exposing his genitals. It’s just not something the public should have to tolerate.”