Union: It’s time to toughen bail laws

A SHOCKING case of a Gold Coast mother being stalked by bikies has prompted the Police Union to call for the tightening of bail laws.

The Bulletin yesterday showed a photograph of bikies following the young woman to a police station where she made complaints about her ex-husband abusing bail conditions.

Despite being committed for trial on rape, assault with a weapon and non-fatal strangulation, police have been unsuccessful in their attempts to oppose bail.

The mother in an email to investigating officers wrote: “I truly wish prosecutors were listened to when you opposed bail as truly you are the front line and your force should be respected.”

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers yesterday said the solution was for courts to place greater weight on submissions from police objecting to bail.

“Police arrest alleged offenders, we put them before the courts, we object to their bail because their risk of allegedly reoffending is high only to see them granted bail,” he said.

“Our frustration with the current revolving door system of bail is palpable. Police object to bail for a good reason.

“Yet too often we see alleged offenders, get bail again and again. In the view of police, courts do not put enough weight on police opposing bail.”

LNP police spokesman Trevor Watts said violent offenders, particularly those with a history of offending, should not be walking the streets.