Central Qld mum of newborn twins facing more DV charges refused bail

As she sat in custody, a Central Queensland mother of newborn twins cried throughout her bail application hearing as the reality of her “dreadful situation” was laid bare.

A mother facing a string of domestic violence charges has been refused bail in Gladstone Magistrates Court. Generic image.

A Central Queensland mother and serial domestic violence offender has failed in her bid for freedom as she faces more DV charges.

The woman, who by law cannot be named, appeared in custody in Gladstone Magistrates Court where she applied for bail on October 4 and her matters were further mentioned in the same court this week.

She is charged with eight counts of contravening a domestic violence order and two counts of breaching bail.

During the bail application hearing, the court heard the woman was in a show cause situation and the prosecution opposed bail.

Solicitor Stephen White said the woman was a mother who had numerous children in her care including newborn twins.

Mr White said with the woman in custody, all of the children were being cared for by their father.

“I’m instructed the (twins) require breast-feeding,” Mr White said.

Mr White said in relation to the charges before the court, the defence conceded the woman had “an extensive history” of contravening domestic violence orders.

Magistrate Mary Buchanan noted the woman was also on parole and bail when she allegedly committed these latest offences.

Mr White replied: “She certainly (was) Your Honour, indeed.”

Mr White said despite advice given to the woman, he had been instructed to apply for bail.

Ms Buchanan said she was not critical of Mr White for making the bail application, and she added: “This is a dreadful situation.”

Gladstone Courthouse.

The magistrate then noted the police objection to bail stated the newborns were bottle fed.

Mr White replied: “My instructions are that they are in fact breast fed, Your Honour.”

The solicitor said strict bail conditions “may ameliorate and mitigate the propensity of my client to reoffend.”

Police prosecutor Kelvin Boyd said the risk of the woman reoffending was “very strong.”

“These current offences have (allegedly) been committed while she was on bail and on parole,” Mr Boyd said.

“The defendant has been charged with 21 previous contraventions of domestic violence and other domestic violence offences.

“She is, in my submission, at risk of committing further offences (if granted bail).”

Magistrate Buchanan said there were no conditions that could be imposed to mitigate the risk of the woman reoffending.

Bail was refused, the woman was remanded in custody, and her matters were adjourned to this week.

In court this week, where the woman was not required to appear, solicitor Stephen White sought a long-plea listing date which was given.

Originally published as Central Qld mum of newborn twins facing more DV charges refused bail