Police will apply to have the case of a woman accused of child stealing and assuming other identities heard in a higher court.
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Samantha Lyndell Azzopardi appeared at Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Thursday, via videolink.
The court heard the police prosecution intended to apply to have Ms Azzopardi's matter uplifted to a higher court than the Magistrates' Court, because of the complexity and seriousness of the case.
Leading Senior Constable Karl Mannes said there were a large number of witnesses and if the matter were contested, a month-long trial could result.
He said a hearing of that length was something the Magistrates' Court might not be able to accommodate.
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The investigation was ongoing, Leading Senior Constable Mannes said, and more matters could possibly arise.
Ms Azzopardi has been charged with 54 offences since her arrest in Bendigo last November.
These include four counts of child stealing, which allegedly took place in November 2019, July 2019, and between December 2018 and June 2019.
The 31-year-old is also charged with 26 counts of obtaining property by deception in relation to individual amounts of $250.
It is alleged she posed as a qualified au pair by the name of Harper Hernandez to acquire the money.
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She is also accused of acquiring a school uniform by purporting to be a nurse with a patient who required that clothing.
Other charges include stating a false name, dishonestly retaining stolen goods, 18 counts of possessing another person's identification information, theft of an iPad, and making a false report to police.
The matter was adjourned to on April 30.
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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.
