Conspiracy theorist Juliet Oldroyd faces charges of kidnapping missing five-year-old Grace Hughes

An alleged child kidnapper was welcomed into court with a round of applause. Discover why she claims she is safer behind bars.

A SOVEREIGN citizen and alleged child kidnapper said she felt safer behind bars after making accusations against high profile cops, judges and politicians.

Juliet Marie Oldroyd was welcomed into the dock at the Darwin Local Court with standing ovation from a crowd of supporters on Monday.

The 50-year-old has been charged with abducting five-year-old Grace Hughes from Darwin.

Police allege Grace was taken by Oldroyd and her mother, 34-year-old Laura Hinks, aka Laura Bolt, from an address at Hidden Valley Rd, Berrimah at 1pm on Sunday, August 7.

Neither mother or child have been seen since.

The 50-year-old woman was supported by a crowd of about 30 people, including known anti-vaxxers and sovereign citizens including David ‘Lurnpa Tjambatjimba’ Cole.

Judge Thomasin Opie warned the large crowd that she would kick people out of the courtroom if they interrupted proceedings.

As her case was called, one of the supporters called out: “Stand up for Juliet, because she stood up for your kids”, before a round of applause broke out.

Oldroyd said she would not be making a plea or asking for bail.

Laura Hinks, 34, and her five-year-old daughter Grace Hughes have been missing since Sunday. Picture: Supplied/NTPFES

“I’m not going to make a plea, I just don’t want to apply for bail because I feel safer in the jail,” she said.

“I feel I am really at risk at the moment because I’ve obviously made some high-level allegations against judges, police officers, members of government, lawyers in this town, high up people.

“I do not feel safe, but I do feel safe now at the prison.

“I would like to go there for my own safety.”

Oldroyd did not go into detail or provide evidence of any allegations.

Her husband and self-proclaimed human rights ambassador Craig Oldroyd told Ms Opie he had “power of attorney” over his wife and would be representing her.

When Ms Opie asked Mr Oldroyd if he had a law degree, he replied “I don’t need a law degree to be an attorney”.

“I’m her husband and she’s had no opportunity for legal representation,” Mr Oldroyd said.

However, her self-proclaimed representative was visibly surprised when his wife did not apply for bail.

Ms Opie said Juliet would need to find proper legal representation, and adjourned her case to Monday, August 22.

Laura Hinks, 34, and her five-year-old daughter Grace Hughes have been missing since Sunday.

“Hopefully you’ll have had an opportunity to consider your position,” Ms Opie said.

As Oldroyd was taken under guard back into custody her supporters again started applauding.

The 50-year-old bowed and held her hands together in prayer before she was removed from the courtroom.

Police have previously alleged Juliet had refused to help police locate the missing five-year-old and her mother.

Detective Superintendent Kirsten Engels said the mother and child had not been seen in a week, with investigators there was an active attempt to prevent them being found.

Laura Hinks, 34, and her 5-year-old daughter Grace Hughes are still missing. Picture: Supplied/NTPFES

“We know some effort is being put in to hide Grace,” Supt. Engels said.

“We are throwing every police resource we have into this investigation, and we will continue to do so until we find Grace.”

“We know there are people out there that will have information about

Grace and Laura, and we are asking you, appealing to you, to do the right

thing.”

Supt. Engels called on anyone who knew about their whereabouts to call police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting the reference number 10082521.