For a short time, well-known Wellington homeless man Ben Hana, aka Blanket Man, was missing.
But Hana was found yesterday in Blenheim, after hitching a ride on the Bluebridge ferry to see a mate here.
Hana was arrested shortly after disembarking from the ferry yesterday morning, and charged with possessing cannabis and disorderly behaviour on the ferry, Blenheim police said. He was to appear in the Blenheim District Court today.
Hana, who is well-known on the streets of Wellington, was sitting outside the Blenheim courthouse yesterday. He was believed to be waiting for a friend to appear in court.
He was due to appear in the Wellington District Court yesterday, and a warrant for his arrest was issued. His lawyer, Maxine Dixon, had expressed concern when Hana did not show up.
At a hearing last month to determine Hana's fitness to plead to seven charges of cannabis possession and breaching a liquor ban, two psychiatrists had been expected to say he was impaired, but changed their minds. A fresh report was to be done and a determination made on what could happen to him. He could become a patient at a mental health facility.
A friend checked Hana's usual haunts around Courtenay Place after he did not show up at court, but was unable to find him, and he had not been seen since Wednesday, the court heard. Judge Bruce Davidson issued a warrant for his arrest.
Meanwhile, Hana was sitting across from the Blenheim courthouse, wrapped in his blanket and listening to music.
When approached by The Marlborough Express, Hana made it clear that he did not want to be interviewed.
The Marlborough Express
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