Coronavirus restrictions land Roberta Williams loosened bail requirements
Gangland widow Roberta Williams is among thousands of accused crooks whose bail restrictions are being loosened in the latest attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus. Here’s how it’s set to work.
Police & Courts
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Gangland widow Roberta Williams’s bail restrictions have been loosened as it can be revealed thousands of accused crooks will no longer have to report to police in the latest attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Williams told the Herald Sun last month her chronic asthma meant she was risking her life to fulfil the reporting conditions of her bail amid the pandemic.
As the state is urged to remain at home, she was required to attend Moonee Ponds police station four times a week.
The former wife of slain gangland boss Carl Williams is on bail charged over the alleged extortion of Ryan Naumenko, who was a producer helping her to make her reality TV show in July last year.
Williams fronted Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday where she successfully applied to have her reporting condition lifted.
Her appearance came a day after she marked the 10th anniversary of her late husband’s brutal murder inside Barwon Prison.
Reporting conditions amid strict social distancing rules have been a concern for both the prosecution and defence in recent bail applications before the courts.
Some police stations have reportedly come up with innovative ways for accused to answer bail without physical contact, many just waving through glass doors to check in.
But Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton has now directed in an internal memo to police members that reporting conditions will be suspended as of this Friday.
Victoria Police said there are about 3000 people on bail across the state who are required to report to police.
Reporting to police is usually a requirement of release from custody, pending the case being heard in court, for accused who are deemed a flight risk, or authorities fear could reoffend.
“On average, there are about 10,000 bail report visits to police each week and 40,000 a month,” police spokeswoman Nat Webster said.
“By temporarily suspending this reporting during these unprecedented times, we are removing 40,000 non-essential trips each month.
“This assists us in reducing the risks to staff and the community.”
Police will conduct individual risk assessments on bailees to determine if any will require extra monitoring, including house checks or phone check-ins.
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