Probably a bit late to give my two cents (Karen, I hope that this has already been dealt with and the application was refused). Having spent a lot of time recently in the magistrates courts, I have no doubt that they will be risk-averse and will need some persuading. For that reason, my gut feeling would be to go on record as pro bono so that you can more forcefully represent him.
worth noting that the decision to grant it is appealable to the Crown Court (no permission needed in first 21 days)