Shinead Mary Duncan accused of scratching police officer who arrested her on other matters

The 22-year-old was wanted for questioning in relation to house burglary and car theft but resisted when arrested: Here’s what happened:

A 22-year-old mother of two accused of assaulting a police officer trying to arrest her has narrowly avoided being locked up.

Because Shinead Mary Duncan was already on bail for a stealing charge when she allegedly committed more offences, it was up to her through her lawyer to show cause why her continued detention was not justified.

Police had been looking for Ms Duncan in relation to the alleged burglary and theft of a car from a home in October, Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard.

It is alleged the 22-year-old had waited outside the house while a co-accused broke into the house and that she was then a passenger in the car allegedly stolen.

Police eventually tracked her down at her mother’s home in Wilsonton Heights on Tuesday, January 2, but when they went to arrest her Ms Duncan had allegedly become verbally abusive toward them, police prosecutor Kinsley Weir told the court.

Toowoomba courthouse, police station, and watch house. Picture: Peta McEachern

She then allegedly tried to run away but was quickly held and as police were leading her to the police vehicle, it was alleged Ms Duncan struggled and scratched the arm of one officer, Senior Constable Weir said.

Charged with serious assault of police causing bodily harm and obstructing police arising from those incidents and burglary and unlawful use of a motor vehicle related to the October matters, Ms Duncan spent the night in custody before appearing in court on Wednesday morning when her solicitor Charmaine Malam applied for bail on her behalf.

Ms Malam said it was accepted her client was in a “show cause” situation but the mother of two could live with her mother while on remand and was willing to report to police even though with no transport she would either have to walk or rely on public transport.

Magistrate Kay Ryan said the strength of the police evidence appeared strong but there was a risk Ms Duncan could spend more time in custody on remand than if she was convicted and sentenced.

Ms Ryan granted bail with all matters adjourned for mention back in the same court on January 15 to link up with Ms Duncan’s other matter.