Teary plea moves judge to grant bail

A WOMAN who allegedly tried to use false documents to withdraw $25,000 from a Geelong bank has been released from custody after a tearful bail application.

The court heard Bree Hughes’s car had a number of wigs, licences and credit cards police allege she used to try to commit deception offences.

The Werribee woman faced Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with attempt to obtain property by deception and use false documents offences.

The court heard Ms Hughes and a co-accused went to a Westpac branch on Wednesday and tried withdraw $5000 but were recognised by staff and left the branch without the cash.

Later, she allegedly called the Pakington St Westpac branch and requested $25,000 be available for collection.

She allegedly arrived with a licence in a female’s name and power of attorney documents in a man’s name.

Suspicious staff had called police who promptly arrested Ms Hughes, the court heard.

The court was told police searched the accused and found wigs and licences.

A search warrant was issued and her vehicle, parked nearby, was searched and police allegedly found more wigs and documents in other names.

A Seabrook address where police said Ms Hughes has been living was searched and police seized items allegedly belonging to her.

In opposing bail, prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Denise Frame told the court Ms Hughes made a no comment interview and did not volunteer information to police.

In her self-represented bail application, she tearfully told the court she was willing to adhere to any curfews and would not reoffend.

Her partner told the court he would be willing to have Ms Hughes bailed to his address and ensure she adhered to any court-imposed conditions.

He said Ms Hughes struggled with methylamphetamine addiction but said he was determined to get her “on the straight and narrow”.

Magistrate Graeme Keil acknowledged the accused was emotionally distressed and urged her to seek the help she needed. Mr Keil bailed her under strict conditions to reappear at court next month.