Lily Ridgeway refused bail: Charged with murder of Jason Adams at Raymond Terrace
Strict bail conditions, including living with her grandmother in Dubbo and daily reporting, were not enough to convince a Newcastle Magistrate to give alleged killer Lily Ridgeway bail.
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Strict conditions including living with her grandmother in Dubbo and reporting to police every day were not enough to convince a Newcastle Magistrate alleged killer Lily Ridgeway should be released back into the community.
The 21-year-old, who was charged with the stabbing murder of Medowie man Jason Adams at Raymond Terrace on February 29, was refused bail in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday.
Ms Ridgeway’s solicitor Elana Scoufis made a convincing application for her client’s release saying living in Dubbo with her grandmother would be far from any influences from her home at Raymond Terrace.
“It represents a clean start for her, “ Ms Scoufis said.
“It is far away from any witnesses and concerns the court would have.”
The court heard Ms Ridgeway, who will be claiming self defence, had issues with compliance in attending court in the past, but had a limited history of violent offences.
Ms Scoufis said her client was particularly vulnerable as a young aboriginal person in custody and given COVID-19 restrictions, not being able to see her family was very onerous for the 21-year-old.
Magistrate Christopher Longley told the court it was a question of whether Ms Ridgeway’s actions were in self defence and if she was a risk given her non-compliance in the past.
“It’s not supported by warrants being issued a couple of times,” Magistrate Longley said.
“Her grandmother is also in her 60s and whilst she said she will observe and monitor her, she is 21 years of age, and she wants to run her own life so there is a real risk.”
On that basis she was refused bail, her matter adjourned until September.
Police allege Ridgeway was arrested at a mid north coast motel two days after the alleged stabbing of Mr Adams at Raymond Terrace.
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 before collapsing on the road at about 5.30am on the Saturday morning.
Mr Adams died at the scene from blood loss after allegedly being stabbed on the side of the torso.