Rarni Spencer accused of lookout role in attack on busy street as police search for missing shotgun
A school worker has been accused of acting as a lookout in a violent attack on a busy Mildura street, with a shotgun allegedly used still missing.
Mildura
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A woman accused of acting as a lookout in a violent attack near Mildura’s CBD, where innocent bystanders narrowly escaped harm, is refusing to help police the shotgun allegedly used, a court has heard.
Rarni Spencer, 36, fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Monday, seeking bail for her alleged involvement in a confrontation between two groups on Tenth St, Mildura, around 12.40pm on Saturday.
Ms Spencer was charged with affray and recklessly engaging in conduct where a firearm was discharged, among other charges.
The court heard Ms Spencer and her co-accused allegedly arrived on Tenth St in a black Mitsubishi Triton for an altercation that escalated into a physical fight involving fists, metal poles, and knives.
During the brawl, police allege a shotgun was fired.
Ms Spencer, who works at Wentworth Public School, was arrested in New South Wales on September 2 and extradited to Victoria the following day.
Police say a search of a house in Curlwaa, belonging to Ms Spencer and her co-accused, uncovered clothing, ammunition, and drugs.
However, the firearm allegedly used in the attack remains missing.
Ms Spencer’s lawyer Rebecca Boreham argued her client had not been seen handling the weapon or participating in the fight.
She said Ms Spencer was not captured on CCTV or any other media directly involved in the confrontation.
Police said Ms Spencer had been uncooperative in their efforts to recover the shotgun.
It was revealed in court that she gave a “no comment” interview during questioning following her arrest.
Ms Spencer’s mother offered a surety to help secure her daughter’s release on bail.
The court heard the incident garnered significant attention on social media, with multiple people reportedly filming the altercation.
Police argued against bail, noting CCTV showed a father and daughter walking past the alleged incident when the firearm discharged.
“She clearly knows a firearm is involved and is going to be used, in a very public area,” police prosecutor Matt Pardon told the court.
Magistrate Michael Coghlan granted Ms Spencer bail, saying she met the compelling reasons standard required.
He added her lifelong ties to the region suggested she was an unlikely flight risk.
Mr Coghlan said Ms Spencer would need to report to police and maintain a static address as she awaits her next court appearance, adding the surety offered by Ms Spencer’s mum was not necessary.
Ms Spencer was embraced by her mother in the court as she left the dock, with both women shedding tears.
She is next slated to appear in court for a committal mention on December 4.
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