Melanie McKeever: Wauchope woman denied bail after police chase, BMW crash

A police chase has resulted in the court denying a Mid-North Coast woman bail, with a magistrate telling the court “there is a real risk to the community if she is released”.

A police chase has led to a Mid-North Coast woman being denied bail, with a magistrate telling the court “there is a real risk to the community if she is released”.

Melanie McKeever, 26, was charged with one count of police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed, one count of licence expired less than two years prior, two counts of possess prohibited drug and one count of possess Schedule 9 substance, after her alleged attempt to flee police ended in a crashed BMW.

On August 16, police allegedly chased the woman for about half-an-hour after a failed attempt to stop her BMW in Wauchope.

Police alleged the woman reached speeds of 170km/h along the highway, and broke school zone limits, before the woman’s car slipped on gravel in a roadworks zone and crashed into a road barrier.

On Wednesday, Port Macquarie Local Court heard McKeever, while having no history of non-compliance with court orders, did have a criminal record – including a warrant out for her arrest in Queensland – prior to her latest offence.

Her lawyer addressed the “very serious” allegations, explaining the trauma that McKeever had allegedly suffered.

“She is the victim of serious domestic violence, and has moved away from her children,” Mr Affleck said.

“That violence has been a trigger point for her substance abuse.

“She is currently residing with friends until she gets back on her feet.”

The police pursuit began in Wauchope.

The solicitor told the court McKeever is taking steps to address her problems, and is likely to enter a guilty plea when she reappears for the offence next week.

“She has an appointment tomorrow for rehabilitation referrals, and is planning on seeing a doctor for her substance abuse and mental health, she suffers from depression and anxiety problems,” Mr Affleck said.

“Given the importance of treatment … and the effort she’s making to seek treatment, I believe bail concerns can be mitigated.”

The defence asked the court consider granting bail, proposing McKeever live in Wauchope with a friend, report regularly to police, attend all GP appointments and referrals, and not to occupy the driver’s seat of a vehicle.

The request was met with strong opposition from the police prosecutor, who reminded the court of McKeever’s interstate offending.

“The accused has an outstanding arrest warrant in Queensland for a matter of violence against a public officer,” Ms Halverson said.

“She also has five AVO breaches (as well as) an ongoing drug-use problem.” .

The woman applied for bail at Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday.

Further evidence was presented in the police’s bail refusal request, with the document suggesting McKeever had “little remorse” for her actions.

“(She) has a criminal history and the vehicle … has been used in numerous pursuits recently,” the paperwork reads.

“A number of drug-related items were located on the accused at the time.

“The actions by the accused put herself, the police officers and the community in extreme danger.

“A police officer was injured as a result of the actions of the accused.”

Magistrate Georgina Darcy agreed with police, stating “some form of custody would be warranted for the police pursuit” offence.

“It might’ve been too late for any children crossing the road in that school zone,” Ms Darcy said.

“It’s indicated she was driving a vehicle through High St, Wauchope at about 3.20pm, which is not long after school finishes.

“There is a real risk to the community if she is released.”

Given the “unacceptable risks” associated with her release, McKeever was denied bail.

She will reappear next Wednesday, August 24, where formal pleas will be entered.

EARLIER

A Mid-North Coast woman has faced court after her BMW triggered a police pursuit that ended in a violent crash.

About 3.20pm on August 16, police allegedly tried to stop Melanie McKeever’s silver sedan on Blackbutt Drive, Wauchope.

Officers alleged the driver failed to stop, instead accelerating away from them.

Police pursued the car along Bago Rd and the Pacific Hwy at Hannam Vale, before the car lost control and crashed into barriers on Waitui Rd.

McKeever – a 26-year-old Wauchope woman – and her passenger – a 38-year-old man – were uninjured.

The driver was arrested and taken to Port Macquarie Police Station.

The male passenger was released pending further inquiries.

A search of the smashed vehicle allegedly returned a sum of cash and illicit drugs, which were seized and will undergo further examination.

McKeever was charged with one count of police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed, two counts of possess prohibited drug, one count of possess Schedule 9 substance, and one count of licence expired less than two years before.

She was refused bail to appear before Port Macquarie Local Court today, Wednesday August 17.