A 21-year-old Ballarat woman who allegedly went on an ice-fueled rampage across the city has told a court her time on remand had been a wake up call.
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Krystal Williams, who faced 44 charges including theft of a motor vehicle and reckless conduct endanger serious injury, made a bail application in the Ballarat Magistrates Court.
The court heard Williams allegedly committed the string of offences between mid-January and March.
Opposing bail, police informant Detective Senior Constable Luke Aggett said he had concerns Williams would commit further offences to fund an ice habit if released on bail.
He told the court on two occasions Williams allegedly sped off on police who were forced to take evasive measures to avoid being hit. The first incident occurred on March 3 when police pulled in front of Williams’ parked car in Albert Street.
The court heard Williams allegedly sped off hitting the police car before driving the wrong way around a round about and continuing to drive at 108km/h in an 80km/h zone.
On March 7 police were called to Main Road where a female was reported asleep in a car. The court heard police opened the passenger door, waking Williams who then reversed and hit a parked car before speeding off. Williams was also allegedly spotted in a number of stolen cars during the offending period and on February 21 crashed into a parked car on Barkly Street.
Williams’ defence lawyer Manny Brennan said his client’s time on remand has been a traumatic and difficult experience for her, telling the court it acted as a significant deterrent.
He read a letter written by Williams while in custody which stated “sending me to the Dame Phyllis remand centre has given me the wake up call I needed”. She added it had given her time to think about the “disgusting” crimes she committed and hoped to use the rehabilitative opportunity as part of the credit bail program to turn her life around.
“This is not the person I am. I know I’ve turned a new leaf.”
Mr Brennan said Williams’ remorse, in addition to her lack of prior history, strong supports, prospects of rehabilitation and a job did show cause why she shouldn’t remain in custody. He said any community protection issues would be addressed as long as Williams kept her drug issues under control.
Williams was granted bail with strict conditions and will appear in court on May 2.
