Central Qld ‘foster parent’ accused of grooming boy, 12
A Qld woman who denies having a sexual relationship with a boy in her care has applied for bail.
A “foster” mum accused of grooming a 12-year-old boy has applied for bail.
The woman, who cannot be named, appeared in custody in Gladstone Magistrates Court this week.
She is charged with one count of grooming child under 16 years or parent or carer of child under 16 years – facilitate procurement of child to engage in sexual act.
The police prosecution opposed bail and relied on an objection to bail affidavit tendered to the court.
The court heard the woman, with a four-page criminal history, was not in a show cause situation.
Solicitor Bianca Wieland said the charge would be contested.
Ms Wieland said the boy denied having a sexual relationship with the woman, and the woman denied having a sexual relationship with him.
Ms Wieland said due to circumstances the woman “became essentially a foster parent” to the boy.
Police prosecutor Jennifer Leach submitted if bail was granted, a reporting condition could apply.
Magistrate Mary Buchanan said she was minded to grant bail but there would have to be a no contact order.
Ms Wieland responded to that by saying: “Yes, Your Honour, we don’t contest that.”
She also submitted bail could be granted with “very strict conditions” including no contact with the complainant, and residential and reporting conditions.
Magistrate Buchanan granted bail saying: “Whilst no grant of bail is risk free, the risks can be ameliorated in this case by imposing strict conditions.”
Ms Buchanan also warned the woman that if she breached her bail, she could end up spending a long period of time in custody.
The bail conditions included living at a specific residence, abiding by a set curfew, reporting to police once a week, and not having any contact with the complainant.
Ms Buchanan directed a brief of evidence be provided by February 2, 2026, and the woman was remanded to appear in Gladstone Magistrates Court on February 9 for committal mention.
