Lily Ridgeway, charged with Raymond Terrace stabbing murder of Jason Adams bail application
A Sydney Supreme Court Justice said he needs more time to consider his decision as to whether bail will be granted to Lily Ridgeway, who will be claiming self-defence after being charged with murder.
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The decision over whether bail will be granted to Lily Ridgeway, who will be claiming self defence after being charged with the stabbing murder of Medowie man Jason Adams at Raymond Terrace, has been held over until Thursday.
Sydney Supreme Court Justice Richard Button said he needed more time to consider his decision on Tuesday, citing if granted, Ms Ridgeway would still have to obtain the revocation of parole.
It will be the second bid for bail for the 21-year-old who was denied an application in Newcastle Local Court in July.
Her strict bail conditions laid out by solicitor Elana Scoufis would include various rehabilitation programs apon release and moving to Dubbo to live with her grandmother, far from any influences at Raymond Terrace where the incident happened on February 29.
The Crown prosecutor told the court there was not a lot of evidence for a case of self defence, and there was a substantial risk to the community if Ms Ridgeway were to be released.
“This is someone who has committed the most serious offence, but also in her history, she was on parole for a serious offence,” the Crown said.
He said what was even more concerning was her criminal history, convicted of assault and affray offences and had numerous warrants and failures to attend court on previous occasions.
But Ms Scoufis argued her client had a “much stronger plan” for her potential release.
“It’s set up so when she’s released, appointments are directly in place and her grandmother can pick her up,” she said.
“There’s an opioid treatment program lined up, Headspace and Aboriginal Medical Services for mental health in Dubbo.
“She is not somebody who is a large risk of behaving in a violent manner if released.”
Justice Richard Button agreed a case of self-defence was definitely on the cards for Ms Ridgeway.
“There’s an overwhelming case that the applicant killed this man but is probably a weak case for murder, perhaps a strong case for manslaughter,” he said.
On addressing all the programs Ms Ridgeway would have set up if released, Justice Button questioned: “Is this woman really in a position to abscond?”
But wanting to consider his decision further, the Judge reserved the matter until Thursday.
Police allege Ridgeway was arrested at a mid north coast motel two days after the alleged stabbing of Mr Adams at Raymond Terrace on February 29.
Police further allege Mr Adams had returned to a house where he had been bailed to reside at when an altercation occurred on Payton St.
The 27-year-old stumbled about 30 metres collapsing on the road, before he died at the scene from blood loss after allegedly being stabbed on the side of the torso.