Victorian court hears new bail bid for mother accused of harming children
A woman accused of trying to kill her three young children has made a fresh bail application in Victoria’s Supreme Court, seeking release to receive mental health treatment in the community. The case raises questions about how her alleged mental illness and treatment needs should be considered while the criminal proceedings continue.
The woman was arrested on 1 March after her car was found submerged in a creek with her children, all under 12, present; she faces 11 charges, including five counts of attempted murder. Her barrister said she had severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and pre- and post-natal depression, and proposed that she live with her parents and have no contact with the children. Prosecutors opposed bail, citing uncertainty about treatment arrangements and concerns raised by her husband; the judge is due to decide on Friday.
- The accused mother has made a new Supreme Court bail application.
- She faces 11 charges, including five counts of attempted murder.
- Prosecutors oppose release over treatment and contact concerns.
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In Victoria, bail is a court decision about whether an accused person can live in the community while their case proceeds. It does not decide whether the person is guilty, and any conditions can set limits on where they live or whom they contact.
The woman faces charges relating to an incident in which her car was found in a creek with her three children inside. Her barrister has described mental health conditions and proposed that she receive treatment while living with her parents; prosecutors have raised concerns about the care plan and the children’s safety.
The case concerns how a court weighs an accused person’s treatment needs against risks while criminal proceedings continue. Any decision on bail is separate from the eventual determination of the charges.
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The case for
Supporters of bail could argue that, if her mental health needs can be safely managed in the community, treatment with family support may better address them while the case proceeds. Strict conditions, including living with her parents and having no contact with the children, could reduce risks while preserving the presumption of innocence and avoiding unnecessary detention.
The case against
Those opposing bail could argue that the seriousness of the charges and the children’s vulnerability make public and family safety paramount while the allegations are unresolved. They may also consider release premature if treatment and supervision arrangements are uncertain and concerns have been raised by her husband.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Mother accused of trying to kill her three children makes fresh bid for bail”.