‘I’ve got a baby and she’s in court’: Drug mum’s bail plea
A lawyer argued a young mum should be bailed on serious drugs charges because she had a three-month-old baby.
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The lawyer for a young mum charged with possessing methamphetamine argued his client should be bailed because she had a three-month-old baby.
An unrelated woman facing a traffic offence calmed the infant, in a pram at the back of Holland Park Magistrates Court, as Courtney Jade Mueller, 24, stood to plead guilty.
Magistrate Simon Young told her that because she had a history of breaching bail and parole, and because she was on serious drugs charges, she should think herself lucky he did not send her to prison.
“You were on bail for serious drug charges when you committed these offences. The law says I must refuse you bail,’’ Mr Young said.
“I think you just scraped over the line this morning.
“If you breach this bail you can expect the benefit of the doubt will not be granted in future. Do you click?’’
Mueller nodded before Mr Young adjourned her case to September 22.
The court heard police found 3.4g of methamphetamine and another 0.73g of the drug in a handbag and sunglasses case at the unemployed bartender’s Tarragindi address on July 22.
Police also found clip seal bags, a straw believed to be used for taking drugs, and scales.
Mueller pleaded guilty to two drug possession charges and one count of having property used in connection with a drug offence.
She also pleaded guilty to stealing clothing, baby items and other goods from Big W at Garden City shopping centre on May 15.
Her solicitor said having a baby was a life-changing event for Mueller.
He conceded his client had an extensive criminal history, but said jail would be a retrograde step and could harm any chance she had of improvement.
But Mr Young said he was unimpressed with the mitigating factors listed by Mueller’s solicitor.
“The only (compelling) reason I have so far that jail is an unfair (sentencing option) is that Ms Mueller has a baby,’’ Mr Young said.