Pregnant Western Downs mum’s ‘downward spiral’ heard in court

A YOUNG pregnant Western Downs woman found herself in custody following a spate of crimes over several months.

IN COURT: Marlie Joan Hardy faced Dalby Magistrates Court on several charges. Picture: Facebook

A PREGNANT Western Downs teenager’s “downward spiral” was heard in court after she racked up numerous charges over several months.

Marlie Joan Hardy faced Dalby Magistrates Court via video link last month on nine charges, including several failure to appears, wilful damage, obstruct police, and possessing dangerous drugs.

The court heard Hardy had been previously denied bail due to her history of failing to appear before the courts.

Police prosecutor sergeant Derek Brady said the most serious offence was wilful damage, where Hardy came into a woman’s home, and broke several windows following an argument.

“After that, there are failure to appears which are more serious in nature, as well as the minor drug offences and obstruct police” he said.

“Essentially the prosecution is seeking in view that probation isn’t a deterrent … [and] I do not submit that further probation would be an appropriate sentence.”

Sergeant Brady told the court he would be seeking a head sentence of six months, but for it to be served as a suspended sentence with time already served.

Defence lawyer Michael Corbin told the court the 21-year-old mother was currently pregnant, and had been in a “downward spiral” for the past 12 to 18 months.

He said this was due to the company she was keeping, and the difficulty of ceasing her drug habit.

The court heard she had been drug free since finding out about her pregnancy, and entering custody.

Magistrate Tracy Mossop told Hardy she hoped the 15 days served prompted her to reflect on where her life was heading.

“There are two different directions you can take,” she said.

“One, where you can better yourself and be a contributing member of society to benefit of yourself and your family.”

“Or whether you’re going to continue down the path of being a druggie and not showing up to court, or complying with bail.

“The choice is yours.”

Hardy pleaded guilty to all charges, and was given a head sentence of six months imprisonment for failing to appear, obstructing police, wilful damage, breaching bail, possessing dangerous drugs, and failing to dispose of a needle.

This was wholly suspended after 15 days, with the remaining time be served as a suspended sentence for an operational period of 12 months.

Hardy was then ordered to pay $400 restitution.

Convictions were recorded.

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