Corey Jai William McNeish alleged drug dealer, attempted murderer released into Dalby community

A 21-year-old who allegedly stabbed his brother repeatedly has been released from custody, telling the court he is expecting a baby.

IN COURT: Corey Jai William McNeish has been granted bail on strict conditions after being accused of stabbing his brother seven times and selling drugs to a minor in Dalby. Pic: Supplied

A Bundamba man accused of stabbing his brother seven times over food was arrested in Dalby after dodging multiple court appearances, but the court quickly released him back into the community.

STABBING: Ipswich man Corey Jai William McNeish will face an Ipswich court for serious crimes after he allegedly stabbed his brother multiple times a Bundamba address during 2020. Pic: Cordell Richardson

Corey Jai William McNeish moved to Dalby in July 2020 as part of his bail conditions shortly after being charged with the alleged attempted murder of his brother.

The Chinchilla Magistrates Court this week heard the 21-year-old had been busy during his exile in Dalby, as Mr McNeish told the court his girlfriend was expecting a child.

The expectant dad appeared in court on Thursday via phone link from the Dalby watch-house and pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to appear while already on bail for a similar offence.

Police prosecutor Derek Brady urged the court to refuse Mr McNeish’s bail application, due to the serious nature of his charges, continued offending, non-compliance with bail, and lack of action to retain legal representation.

“You can’t grant him bail with any confidence that he’s going to comply to it,” Sergeant Brady said.

“The matters before court here; we’ve had no communication from any lawyer with regards on who to give the brief (of evidence) to.”

COURT DODGER: 21-year-old Corey Jai William McNeish allegedly racked up more than 14 charges fresh after being placed on bail for attempted murder. Pic: Social Media

Sergeant Brady noted Mr McNeish was essentially on the run from police for two to three weeks after failing to appear in Ipswich court on May 12, 2020 and was later picked up in Dalby on an arrest warrant.

Duty lawyer Jessica Hine said her client had no intention of evading police and had simply forgotten to attend court.

“I explained to him that a court date is something he was to note for himself, he can’t be reliant on the court sending messages,” she said.

“His girlfriend is heavily pregnant and he has ties to the community.

“In regards to the delay (in both matters) he still is a very young man… it seems to be a level of immaturity, which I accept is no excuse.”

Magistrate Kerri O’Callaghan said the young man’s behaviour and risk of failing to appear in court was concerning, but said she was satisfied bail was appropriate.

SMALL TOWN: Corey Jai William McNeish was placed on a strict bail for attempted murder in the Western Downs town of Dalby – but that didn't stop the young man from allegedly committing more crimes. Pic: Supplied

Ms O’Callaghan warned Mr McNeish he would quickly find himself back behind bars if he failed to comply with his new bail.

Mr McNeish was fined $400 for failing to appear and released on bail but ordered to report to police five times a week.

He is also facing Ipswich charges of attempted murder and acts intended to case grievous bodily harm or transfer a serious disease.

In Dalby, he is facing 14 drug, property, and weapon offences.

The 21-year-old is due to reappear in the Dalby court on September 17. No date has yet been set for the Ipswich matters.

Originally published as Corey Jai William McNeish alleged drug dealer, attempted murderer released into Dalby community