Four people use Covid-19 as the reason not to attend Proserpine or Bowen Magistrates Court

Four people from the Whitsunday region gave the same reason why they did not attend court and it’s do to with public health.

Proserpine Magistrates Court.

A Whitsunday region woman claims she is putting public safety first as she requested her court matter be delayed.

Nicole Rangeley was to appear in Proserpine Magistrates Court on Monday for drug-driving.

But in a letter read by Acting Magistrate Athol Kennedy, Ms Rangeley said she had been suffering “Covid” symptoms and was self-isolating.

“I’m passionate about public health,” Ms Rangeley wrote in her letter to the court, in which she requested permission for an adjournment.

“Together we will eliminate the risk to others.”

The case was adjourned to August 2.

It was one of a number of adjournment requests to the court citing Covid or flu-like symptoms.

Mr Kennedy ordered an arrest warrant for Jessie Karren Maher-Walker, who is charged with possessing controlled drugs, used drug utensils and a knife in a public place.

The court heard she had not yet appeared on the charges.

Mr Kennedy had a letter requesting an adjournment citing “flu-like symptoms” and told the court it was not the first one.

Mr Kennedy ordered an arrest warrant be issued against Ms Maher-Walker.

Ethan Joseph Harrison also cited Covid-like symptoms as his reason for requesting an adjournment.

In his letter to the court Mr Harrison wrote “through no fault of my own I’ve come down with Covid symptoms”, Mr Kennedy said.

The court heard he was also self isolating.

Mr Harrison is charged with possessing dangerous drugs and used utensils and contravening a police direction. His case was adjourned until later this month.

An arrest warrant has also been ordered for a Bowen woman accused of drug-driving.

Maxine Ranee Pender is charged with driving with a relevant drug in her system as a learner, probationary or provisional licence holder.

In a letter to Bowen Magistrates Court Ms Pender claimed “cold and flu symptoms” as her reason for not coming to court and asked for an adjournment.

Prosecutor David Epstein said she had cited cold and flu symptom two weeks before.

“I think she’s pulling my leg,” Mr Kennedy said.

“I don’t accept that, release the warrant.”