Charges against Sandy Creek standoff accused Solange Goodes likely to be downgraded

A woman who allegedly put court staff in danger after a high-risk police standoff has been described as a “beautiful woman” by her supporters as she was granted bail.

A Concordia woman accused of threatening officers during a “high risk” police standoff at Sandy Creek has been bailed to live with her co-accused and partner, a court has heard.

Solange Goodes, 42, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday accused of five aggravated counts of threatening to cause harm to police, plus counts of hinder or resist police officer and assault worker police.

Goodes, and her partner and co-accused Toby Lockyer, 41, were arrested at the property east of Gawler early on September 23 after police attended for a routine weapons check before it descended into a standoff.

Police were allegedly forced to fall back after threats were allegedly made.

Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Group officers then responded to what they described as a “high risk incident”.

Toby Lockyer (left) is comforted outside court by a supporter after his partner Solange Goodes was granted bail. Picture: Ben Cameron.

Toby Lockyer outside court after his partner Solange Goodes was granted bail. Picture: Ben Cameron

However, on Wednesday, police prosecutor Kevin Dollard said those five major indictable charges were likely to be downgraded following the viewing of evidence, including video.

“The charges in their current form probably shouldn’t proceed,” Sgt Dollard said.

“That’s going to be my application moving forward.

“I would substitute one count of assault, assault by words and threats.”

He also said police’s opposition to bail had “softened somewhat” and Goodes was permitted to reside at the Concordia address, where she lives with her partner, Lockyer.

He was also arrested and charged with firearms and hindering police offences following the incident.

It comes several weeks after Magistrate Ben Sale said Goodes had refused to speak to a duty solicitor or obtain any kind of legal advice during a Elizabeth Magistrates Court hearing.

At that time he said she had “created a situation whereby those who would be charged with bringing her to court, feel they’d be placing themselves in danger if they attempt to do so”.

However, for Goodes on Wednesday, Martin Anders said a “wealth of material” had been provided which indicated she would comply with bail conditions.

Supporter Grant Harrison said the charges against Goodes were “overkill”. Picture: Ben Cameron

He said the alleged offending was “very much an aberration” and her partner’s charges were “very minor in nature”.

Chief Magistrate Mary-Louise Hribal was satisfied there were special circumstances to release Goodes on bail.

“The charges you currently face, in relation to the major indictable matter, while serious, I’m told are likely to be downgraded to both lesser charges and less severity,” Mrs Hribal said.

As the hearing concluded, Goodes requested the return of her property.

“Can I have my laptop back? Police stole my laptop,” Goodes said.

“This is not a time to address these issues… we can address those issues during communication with police,” Mr Anders replied.

Outside court, Toby Lockyer said “of course it is” when asked if it was good news for him and his supporters.

Supporter Kerry said her friend was a “beautiful woman”.

“She didn’t deserve (to be locked up),” Kerry said.

“I’ve known her for 20 years, she’s a beautiful woman and that hasn’t changed.”

Another supporter, Grant Harrison, said it was “fortunate that common sense has occurred”, calling the charges “overkill”.

“I feel very calm, very still, and it just means Solange will be able to have some peace and normality,” Mr Harrison said.

Goodes will next appear in November.