Ashley Thistleton: Loyal Crims alleged gang member refused bail

A mum accused of being a part of the Loyal Crims gang has told a court she is pregnant while trying to be freed on bail before Christmas.

A 28-year-old woman accused of being a part of a gang linked to alleged violent carjacking in the Northern Rivers has told a court she is pregnant while applying for bail for a second time.

Ashley Thistleton, of Goonellabah, faces charges of aggravated robbery in company, drug supply, damaging property by fire, participating in a criminal group activity, robbery in company and drug possession.

Police will allege they thwarted the activities of a group known as Loyal Crims with the arrest of four men; Sean Brannigan, 24, Rodney Denyer, 50, Beau Smith, 34, and Glen Pender, 35, alongside Thistleton on December 2, 2021.

Aside from Mr Denyer, who has pleaded guilty to cannabis possession, no pleas have been entered to any of the charges laid.

Thistleton is alleged to have been involved in an assault and carjacking in West Ballina on October 30 as well as involved in allegedly burning a Range Rover.

Thistleton appeared in Ballina Local Court on Thursday represented by defence lawyer Tracey Randall.

Ms Randall said Thistleton intended to plead not guilty to aggravated robbery in company damaging property by fire, participating in a criminal group activity, robbery in company and drug possession.

However, Magistrate Michael Dakin did not accept any pleas.

Ashley Thistleton, 28, from Goonellabah, has faced Ballina Local Court after being arrested in relation to an alleged criminal gang known as Loyal Crims.

Ms Randall applied for a bail review, indicating a her pregnancy was not mentioned during an initial bail application made on December 3.

She said Thistleton’s father could offer her a place to live essentially under house arrest as well as offering a cash surety.

Ms Randall said her client had been in a relationship with one of the co-accused which she described as “controlling” and caused Thistleton to distance herself from her family.

She told the court Thistleton had two children, 2 and 4, the younger of whom she was still breastfeeding.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Tim Monahan opposed bail stating there was risk of further serious offences and endangerment to the community.

Mr Dakin said evidence before the court implicated Thistleton in very serious alleged offending.

He said it was unlikely time on remand would exceed a non-parole period of imprisonment if she were to be convicted.

Bail was refused. The matter is next before the court on February 11, 2022.