A woman accused of burglary and theft has been refused bail because of concerns she will interfere with witnesses and commit offences.
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Jayde Dempsey appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Thursday on charges of burglary, theft, theft of a motor vehicle, harassing witnesses, and possessing cannabis.
From a summary read by First Constable Sam Fary, the court heard Ms Dempsey allegedly stole numerous items from a neighbour’s home in North Bendigo between December 31 and Janaury 10.
Ms Dempsey is accused of returning to the property a few days later, stealing the vehicle, and giving it to two teenagers.
The court heard police searched Ms Dempsey’s home on January 30 and found items matching those reported stolen, as well as a bowl containing matter believed to be cannabis.
First Constable Fary told the court Ms Dempsey’s phone contained messages to the two teenagers asking them about going to the police station, and telling them she would not “lag” on them.
The court heard Ms Dempsey was last year summonsed to appear at court in relation to a number of alleged offences.
Police alleged she made phone calls to a man, asking him to write a letter to police in her favour.
She allegedly called him multiple times, then in January, called again and asked him whether he had written the letter.
When he said he had not, Dempsey allegedly became aggressive and made a threat.
The court heard Ms Dempsey also allegedly tried to sell a stolen vehicle.
Ms Dempsey told the court there was “no hard evidence” she had committed the crimes, and said she had evidence she had nothing to do with the car thefts.
She said she had a job lined up, was a carer for her mother, and wanted to change her lifestile.
“I just need that chance to prove I can do the right thing,” Ms Dempsey said.
But magistrate Michael King said he did not have independent corroboration of her mother’s needs, nor her prospective job.
Dr King said he considered there was a risk she would interfere with prosecution witnesses, and given her history, would offend on bail.
Ms Dempsey will again face court in March.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
