Amber Jane Lucas: Accused M1 rampage mum’s emotional freedom bid

A Gold Coast mum accused of going on a M1 rampage last month has made an emotional plea for bail, telling a magistrate ‘I’ve done a lot of work on myself’.

A Currumbin Waters mum accused of going on a M1 rampage has made an emotional plea for bail, telling a magistrate “I’ve done a lot of work on myself”.

Amber Jane Lucas, 40, is facing 10 charges including driving while unlicensed, dangerous operation of a vehicle, obstructing a police officer and failing to comply with duties when crashing in a car. 

About 3.30pm on August 20, it is alleged a white van had rammed multiple cars along the Pacific Motorway, including sideswiping a car at Pimpama and colliding into the back of another at Palm Beach. 

Officers tracked the van to Mayfield St in Currumbin Waters, where the 40-year-old driver allegedly continued to try to evade them and smashed into the back of a parked police car.

Magistrate Jane Bentley refused the 40-year-old’s previous bail application on August 23. 

Lucas was self-represented when she appeared via videolink in the Southport Magistrates Court from jail on Tuesday. 

This time, she was before Magistrate Dzenita Balic. 

The Currumbin Waters mum said she wanted to be released on bail because she had to take care of her son and needed two tooth extractions. 

She said her mother was also unwell.

“I have done a lot of work on myself since last offending, I truly have,” Lucas said. 

“If given the opportunity I just want to be able to show the court and yourself that massive change can occur, your honour. 

“And I can prove that.” 

Magistrate Balic said Lucas needed to show a substantial change of circumstances to the court before another bail application could be considered. 

She ordered a review of the court transcript from the last bail application and adjourned the matter to October 11. 

Lucas was remanded in custody.

Accused M1 rampage mum to stay behind bars - August 23  

A Currumbin Waters mum accused of going on a M1 rampage at the weekend will remain behind bars after her bail application was rejected.

Amber Jane Lucas, 40, is facing 10 charges including driving while unlicensed, dangerous operation of a vehicle, obstructing a police officer and failing to comply with duties when crashing in a car.

A visibly upset Lucas wiped away tears as she appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday via videolink.

She said she was dealing with family issues.

About 3.30pm Saturday, it is alleged a white van had rammed multiple cars along the Pacific Motorway, including sideswiping a car at Pimpama and colliding into the back of another at Palm Beach.

Officers tracked the van to Mayfield St in Currumbin Waters where the 40-year-old driver allegedly continued to try to evade them, and smashing into the back of a parked police car.

“I’d like to say I completely understand the seriousness of all of this,” Lucas told the court.

“It is not my normal behaviour – I could have injured and hurt someone.

“I just want to be at home with my family, Your Honour.”

Magistrate Jane Bentley noted the Currumbin Waters’ woman had a previous conviction of dangerous driving in 2016.

The court wast old Lucas’ criminal history included numerous drug offences, breaches of bail and breaches of probation. “But I also take into account it’s not alleged you have offended since 2017,” Magistrate Bentley said.

She refused to grant Lucas bail, saying she could not be satisfied that the 40-year-old “would not be a danger to members of the public” if released.

Lucas was remanded in custody to appear in court on September 20.