Teen accused of Helensvale home invasion and sports car joyride faces bail breach

A teenager accused of a terrifying Helensvale home invasion in which luxury cars were taken on a joyride is back in court - and she’s copping a stern judge’s warning. Find out why.

A Southport magistrate has warned a young woman accused of a terrifying home invasion earlier this year that she was “not in a very good position”.

Months after being charged with armed robbery with violence and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, Laura May Carter, 18, reappeared via videolink in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday for breaching bail conditions and two counts of failing to appear.

It comes after the South Toowoomba teen was arrested in April alongside two men after an alleged break-in into a Helensvale home while armed with a gun and a knife, the ransacking of a Porsche before a Mercedes and Maserati were taken while live streaming to social media.

Scene of a home invasion at North Bank Court, Helensvale during which a Maserati was stolen and a Porsche damaged. Picture: Lea Emery

On June 11 Carter was arrested again at Gold Coast University Hospital for breaching her bail conditions and failing to appear at Southport Court on May 18 and May 30.

Police prosecutor Qin Li opposed Carter’s second bail application.

Police prosecutor Li said Carter’s alleged involvement in the Helensvale home invasion showed “a clear escalation in violent behaviour”.

Duty lawyer Paul Hamilton said Carter had a “rough life” including getting expelled from school in year six, her mother’s imprisonment as a child and becoming a mother as a young teen.

Images of a Maserati which was stolen in a home invasion at North Bank Court, Helensvale, Gold Coast. Picture: Supplied.

Magistrate Michelle Dooley issued a stern warning that Carter was facing a serious chance of imprisonment.

“You are not in a very good position,” magistrate Dooley said. “You’re an adult now.

“So you’ve got to understand how much of a mess you’re going to get yourself into if you don’t comply with these bail conditions.”

Magistrate Dooley granted Carter bail - she must report to police three times a week and obey a curfew. She also ordered Carter pay a $300 fine for breaching her previous bail.

The matter will next be heard on July 4.