Coronavirus Melbourne: Court delays a factor in bail applications
There’s no doubt the pandemic is a disaster for many people. But for some people accused before court, it’s working to their benefit. Here’s why.
Outer East
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Three people accused of crimes were bailed with the coronavirus putting pressure on courts.
Three bail applications were approved in one courtroom at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court yesterday afternoon, with the magistrate saying all those charged risked spending too much time in prison if they were remanded.
Magistrate Helen Murphy told one of the accused his application for bail was “made at an extraordinary time in terms of the considerations the court has to turn its mind to”.
“Of significant importance on your application, as in many applications made at this time, is the issue of the delay,” she said.
Ms Murphy said the delay could mean the time he served on remand was longer than any sentence that could be imposed when his charges were heard.
She told the court matters were being adjourned to “months down the track”.
Many cases called in court yesterday were automatically adjourned to June 15.
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Ms Murphy said the delay was one factor she was taking into account in granting him bail.
It was a similar story with the two others facing charges.
In both cases, Ms Murphy said the charges were complicated and would take some time to sort out.
Both were granted bail with reporting conditions.
But Ms Murphy did warn one accused that if he breached bail, he would be facing the extra lengthy term in remand.
Both defence lawyers before the court spoke of how remand would be more burdensome during the pandemic, with a higher risk of infection and limited visitation.