Social media influencer Jaylie Bonow appears in Brisbane court

A social media influencer under investigation after bragging about feeding a roast chook to a croc in North Queensland has faced court on unrelated fraud and computer hacking charges.

Jaylie Bonow is facing court on fraud and computer hacking charges.

A social media influencer who is under investigation after bragging about feeding a roast chook to a giant crocodile in North Queensland is in more hot water, facing court on unrelated fraud and computer hacking charges.

But Jaylie Bonow posted a video suggesting her court appearance was linked to the crocodile incident, earning more ire from wildlife officials.

Ms Bonow, a Western Australian who goes by Jaylie Tori online and has more than 83,000 Instagram followers, came under fire earlier this month after posting a video boasting about feeding a 4m saltwater croc on the banks of the Russell River near Babinda.

“I’m in Far North Queensland at the moment and I thought it’d be a good idea to get a whole chook and feed it to one of the crocs,” the 28-year-old said in the since-deleted 46-second post.

“There are some big salties up here and he is absolutely lovin’ it. Rest assured I have stayed away from the bank.”

Ms Bonow then turned her phone towards the apex predator, known to locals as Clyde, heaping him with praise.

“Have a look at him,” she said. “He is just feeding on that chook and absolutely lovin’ it.”

The stunt was slammed by critics including North Queensland MP and former Miles Government frontbencher Craig Crawford who said feeding crocs was “not only stupid but illegal”.

Ms Bonow’s video sparked an ongoing Department of Environment investigation, with warnings she could face a $26,000 fine.

She later posted an apology, admitting her actions were “dangerous” and “stupid”.

Ms Bonow appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with fraud and accessing a restricted computer.

After her court appearance, she posted a video in her car saying she couldn’t wait to get back to WA.

“I’ve had a very stressful morning if you must know,” she said.

“I walked out of court this morning and was greeted by Nine News. I’m probably going to be on television tonight … yay … regarding the croc incident.

“I do just want to reiterate that what I did was stupid - I’ve said it time and time again - and I didn’t know that it was illegal.

“So if you don’t know, which a lot of people didn’t know, that feeding crocs is illegal in Queensland - in fact it’s illegal in the whole of Australia - here is your warning: don’t do what I did. Not only is it illegal it is f---en dumb.

“Have a good day.”

Bonow has apologised for feeding a 4m saltwater crocodile known as Clyde.

The charges against Mr Bonow allege she illegally used a restricted Queensland Health computer on August 24, 2017, without the department’s consent.

Ms Bonow is further charged with illegally obtaining and using three other people’s Queensland drivers licences in order to allegedly commit the computer access offence.

Police allege she committed the offences at Queensland Health’s Chermside Child and Youth Mental Health clinic in Brisbane’s north.

Court documents listed the now-influencer’s occupation at the time of the alleged offences as a public servant.

Ms Bonow was originally granted bail on October 9 this year and her bail was enlarged following her appearance in Brisbane Arrests Court on Roma Street on Thursday.

The case was adjourned to the Brisbane Magistrates Court on George Street on November 4.

A DES spokesman said the crocodile feeding investigation was continuing and Ms Bonow’s court appearance was unrelated.

Originally published as Social media influencer Jaylie Bonow appears in Brisbane court