James Robertson has been granted bail on two counts of burglary. Photo: Albert McKnight.
A former journalist has denied breaking into the Canberra home of the Indonesian ambassador and stealing a range of items.
James Robertson, 38, was arrested and granted bail over the allegations last month.
In the early hours of 4 June 2025, police were sent to the official residence of Indonesia’s Ambassador to Australia, Dr Siswo Pramano, over reports of an intruder trying to enter the house in Red Hill.
The officers arrived to find property scattered over the floor, shattered glass cabinets and several residents who held various levels of diplomatic immunity, court documents say.
The residents told them they had woken up to find the house in this condition.
CCTV showed a man breaking into the home and stealing various items such as silverware, a phone, a guitar cover, crystals and an Apple Watch.
The watch soon started pinging over a property in Red Hill that police allege was linked to Mr Robertson.
Police spoke to him at his home and alleged he matched the description of the man seen on the CCTV. They also allegedly found some of the stolen property near his residence before arresting him.
Meanwhile, police also heard there had been another burglary at a different home in Red Hill on the night of 3 June.
Several items were stolen from this home including a battery charger, batteries, wall lights, smoke alarm and fuse box.
Police allege these items were also found at Mr Robertson’s home.
James Robertson has indicated not guilty pleas to his three charges. Photo: Albert McKnight.
On Wednesday (9 July), the ACT Magistrates Court heard Mr Robertson had entered not guilty pleas to two counts of burglary and one count of damaging the premises of an internationally protected person.
His lawyer, Adrian McKenna from Hugo Law Group, applied to vary his bail, including removing the curfew condition so his client could travel to NSW to see a family member.
Also, he wanted to reduce the distance his client had to stay away from the two residences he was alleged to have burgled because the current restrictions were creating difficulties for him as he also lived in Red Hill.
Mr McKenna said Mr Roberston was a former journalist who now worked casually in communications. He had no prior criminal history and his mental health had stabilised.
The prosecutor opposed removing the curfew condition, claiming the risk remained too high due to his potential targeting of an international residence.
She suggested the curfew could be delayed until later in the evening so he had time to travel to NSW.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker noted the “bizarre” nature of the allegations and how there appeared to be quite a strong prosecution case.
She said while Mr Robertson was getting mental health treatment, the court had not been told what issues were in play.
The chief magistrate varied his bail’s distance conditions, then said she would reconsider varying the curfew condition after the court obtained a brief mental health report.
Bail was continued and the matter will return to court on 17 July.
Mr Robertson sat next to his lawyer in the courtroom, holding rosary beads in his hand.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he has worked for news organisations The New Daily, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Samoa Observer.
Oh absolutely. Most European cities mix light rail with underground sections. Best bet would be do… View