Police oppose bail bid
Accused spitter needs release, court told
A WOMAN who allegedly spat on police in Geelong after claiming she had COVID-19 is using the pandemic as a reason to be freed from custody.
Kimberley Blair — also known as Kim Kruz — has been locked up since the alleged incident in Norlane on March 24.
The 47-year-old appeared via video link at Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday to seek bail in an application that was strongly opposed by police.
Ms Blair’s lawyer, Jonathan Barrera, said the restrictions placed on custodial centres
THIS year’s Give Geelong Appeal has been forced to adapt amid the coronavirus pandemic.
As with all organisations, the Give Where You Live Foundation has had to quickly change not only how it supports the community, but also its fundraising endeavours to support the work. The foundation has had to cancel two vital fundraising events as well as a street collection, all of which were all scheduled to raise funds for the appeal this week.
Instead it has gone online with virtual donation tins.
Foundation CEO Bill Mithen said help was urgently needed. “Now more than ever we need your help to raise funds to keep your community connected and strong,” he said.
“Community connections are what keeps a community strong and builds resilience that assists people to cope with the ups and downs that life throws at all of us.
“These connections matter to us all now more than ever and they matter especially for those who are already vulnerable. All funds raised through the Give Geelong Appeal will help your community stay connected, stay together and stay strong.” after the COVID-19 outbreak were a significant factor in her bid for freedom.
He said the suspension of personal visits and programs in custody made Ms Blair more isolated behind bars.
Mr Barrera said his client had also been missing out on medications since her arrest.
“Her time has been more onerous than a normal person because of COVID-19,” he said.
Ms Blair has been charged with assaulting police, resisting police and being drunk in a public place.
It is alleged she coughed
Mr Mithen said he was proud of the community support so far.
“We have over 30 Geelong businesses who are now shakand spat on two police officers who were called to Stradbroke St, Norlane, about 10.30pm.
The Norlane mother is also accused of licking the hand of one officer and saying: “I hope you get coronavirus.”
A previous court hearing was told Ms Blair did not have the virus, however the officers did not have that information confirmed until later.
One of the police officers said he was forced into isolation after the alleged assaults, while he remained “extremely” anxious that it would happen again. “I now ing their virtual donation tins – both internally to staff and also on their social media and websites,” he said.
“We completely understand carry this into every job I attend,” the constable said.
Magistrate Simon Guthrie said it was “quite ironic” that Ms Blair was using the pandemic to argue for bail.
But he said the application was not without merit given the potential for a delay in the case being finalised if she elected to contest the charges at a hearing.
Mr Guthrie previously gave a sentence indication of four months’ jail, followed by a year-long correction order, if Ms Blair pleaded guilty.
Opposing bail, Geelong not everyone is in the position to support the appeal this year, however if you are able to, we ask you to please consider supporting your community and
CIU detective Senior Constable Bianca Shirra said she held “serious” concerns about Ms Blair complying with any court-imposed conditions.
The court heard claims Ms Blair had a history of alcohol abuse and was heavily intoxicated on the night of her arrest.
Sen-Constable Shirra also noted that the alleged offending occurred on officers who were exposing themselves to the risk of COVID-19 in their duties to protect the community. “Working during the coronavirus pandemic is stressful enough for all emergency jumping online and donating to the Foundation’s virtual donation tin.”
The appeal runs until Monday. Donations can be made at workers … without people behaving in a manner that the accused did,” she said.
Ms Blair’s bail application was adjourned to May 27. givewhereyoulive.com.au or by calling the telethon hotline today and tomorrow from 8am to 6pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm on 1300 436 689.