No bail for drug mum

Woman left dog to starve, court told

A COURT has been told a former Charleville woman charged with dealing methylamphetamine, assault, and animal cruelty would remain in custody after her bid for bail was denied.

A teary-eyed Courtney Lee Ramsey appeared in Toowoomba Magistrates Court via video link on Tuesday, March 21, where she apologised profusely for not showing up to court when her drug and assault charges were mentioned.

Ms Ramsey is facing charges of assault occasioning bodily harm while armed in company, supplying methamphetamine, animal cruelty, unreasonable abandonment of a dog, failure to appear, and unlawful possession.

The court was told most of the alleged offences occurred at Charleville.

Lawyer Sarah Campbell said if Ms Ramsey was released on strict bail conditions, including a curfew, it would mitigate the risk of her not adhering to court orders.

However, police prosecutor Rohan Brewster-Webb said the mother never set foot in a courtroom to deal with the matters in the first place, which resulted in a number of warrants being issued and her subsequent arrest.

Ms Ramsey said she had forgotten about her court dates because her mind was focused on her ill child, who had been hospitalised a number of times.

“I’m sorry, but my child is my first priority,” she said.

Ms Campbell said the mother didn’t attend court because she was dealing with family matters which required her to travel to different towns across south Queensland.

In regard to the animal cruelty charges, Ms Campbell said the woman had asked a friend to feed and water her dog.

“She only last week terminated her lease there… she technically still resided there,” Ms Campbell said.

“These things all need to be looked at and determined as to how the charges progress.”

While opposing her bail, prosecutor Brewster-Webb noted in the past Ms Ramsey spent time in jail for dealing and possessing drugs, yet she continued to allegedly engage in the behaviour.

Mr Brewster-Webb said the assault and animal cruelty allegations were serious in nature.

“The dog was literally on the verge of death, and ribs and so forth could be seen so it’s concerning that she ups and leaves (for a long period of time) and supposedly had a friend looking after it,” he said.

Acting magistrate Andy Cridland said given Ms Ramsey’s history he was concerned, if granted bail, she would not adhere to her conditions and remanded her in custody.

Mr Cridland set the matter aside for a mention at Charleville court on April 12.