A man accused of breaking into a houseboat in South Australia's Riverland region is expected to go on trial next year, after going back on an initial guilty plea.
Renmark West man Jamie Wayne Nitschke, 40, appeared in the Berri Magistrates Court via video link on Monday afternoon charged with serious criminal trespass, dishonestly taking property without consent and failing to comply with a bail agreement.
He initially indicated he would plead guilty and not apply for bail, but Magistrate Cathy Deland did not accept the plea after Mr Nitschke disputed police prosecutor Hugh Bampton's facts of charge.
During the hearing, Mr Nitschke removed his shirt and placed it over his face briefly, before sitting shirtless for the remainder of the case.
He proceeded to make an application for home detention bail, but it was denied.
Police alleged he and two unknown accomplices were spotted loading items from a houseboat into a white Holden Astra.
It is then alleged the three people fled the scene after the owner attempted to take photos of the suspects.
Several hours later police spotted the same vehicle speeding through Renmark, with a man and a woman inside.
Police alleged the driver refused to stop and led them on a 30-minute chase through the town.
The car was last seen heading south on Twenty-third Street and the white Holden Astra and two other suspects are yet to be located.
Police said anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
