Strict bail for robbery accused

A TEENAGER allegedly involved in a drug deal gone wrong in a shopping centre carpark has been granted bail with strict conditions.

Shania Maree Burns, 19, must not have any contact with two co-accused men allegedly involved in the incident which occurred about 5.15am on March 21.

The Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard the Crown case against Burns “was strong” but the charges of attempted robbery and supplying dangerous drugs would have to proceed through a higher court.

Solicitor Amber Ackerman, for Burns, said the time her client spent in custody as the matters proceeded - if found guilty - would exceed any penalty likely to be imposed.

Burns has not been required to enter any plea to the charges before the court.

Magistrate Catherine Pirie noted the charges the motherof-one was facing were “serious”.

In reading the police objection to bail, Ms Pirie said the allegation was Burns, in the company of two other men, met with the complainant at the carpark to supply cannabis.

She said “not insignificant violence” was used to get money from the man who suffered a number of injuries.

She said the Crown case appeared strong with the incident recorded on CCTV and Burns identified from a photo identification board.

However, noting the time it would take to prepare a full brief of evidence and the matter to proceed through court, she granted Burns bail with strict conditions.

The matter will return to court on June 3.