Tracking device ordered

A WOMAN accused of drug offences must wear a tracking device and has been told her fate is in her own hands after she was granted bail in court on Monday.

Skye-ellen Jean Diprose is planning to live in Bowen now she has been released from police custody but is still facing three charges, including possessing schedule-one dangerous drugs and property suspected of being used to commit a drug offence.

Lawyer Peta Vernon applied for bail for Diprose in the Proserpine Magistrates Court.

She said Diprose was in custody because she was sentenced to terms of jail for other matters but she had now served that time.

Ms Vernon said her client was not a flight risk but she had taken a casual attitude towards her bail conditions in the past.

Ms Vernon said she had been instructed to “strenuously defend” a charge against Diprose as she claimed there wasn’t evidence linking the 29year-old woman to the drugs found.

The matter would be set down for trial in the Supreme Court in Mackay, she said.

“Even if she may be found guilty of these charges there is a risk she may spend too much time in custody,” Ms Vernon said.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Jay Merchant disagreed, and said Diprose had failed to appear in court and breached bail in the past.

Ms Vernon argued Diprose now had legal representation so she could be reminded to attend court.

Magistrate James Morton decided to grant Ms Diprose bail, but warned she could “make it or break it”.

He enforced bail conditions, including the requirement to report to the officer-in-charge of Bowen Police Station once a week and wear a tracking device.

Diprose’s matters were adjourned to October 12 for a committal mention.