A Port Macquarie woman has been denied bail despite an impassioned plea from her solicitor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Anna Patricia Damkjaer, 28 of Currawong Drive appeared in Port Macquarie Local Court on Thursday October 29.
During her appearance via audio visual link before magistrate Georgina Darcy, Damkjaer constantly looked down with her head in her hands.
Damkjaer has pleaded guilty to, two counts of driving a motor vehicle while suspended, on June 22 and 24, 2020; possession of a prohibited drug - 35 grams of cannabis - on May 14, 2020, aggravated break and enter in company on August 8, 2002, larceny - stealing an $800 iPhone - on November 5, 2019, and driving a motor vehicle with illicit drugs present in blood, on June 22, 2020.
Damkjaer is yet to enter pleas on seven counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception totally some $7800 between November 2019 and March 23 2020. She is also charged with attempting to obtain a financial advantage on May 5, 2020.
Court documents show that Damkjaer allegedly stole three mountain bikes valued at a total of $15,000 from a Port Macquarie apartment building.
Damkjaer was on strict bail conditions at the time, according to police facts tabled in court.
"The bikes were located in a locked cage in the basemen of the building," the court documents show.
"Damkjaer was captured on CCTV footage walking down the driveway of Quary North with two co-accused.
"The trio are seen scouting around the basement where it is alleged that a co-accused manipulates the caged door and removes one of the bikes.
"A co-accused rides a bike to a basement lift where he is heard to say: "Oi, oi come and get a bike. Come get a bike".
"The trio then place the bikes into the lift and are seen to exist the building through the main doors," the court documents allege.
Her solicitor Isaac Morrison proposed a raft of strict bail conditions including living with her father in Cronulla, making an appointment to start the Magistrate's Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program and to be subject to a curfew.
"I would emphasise the positive notes in the report before the court," Mr Morrison said.
"She has identified her drug use as being part of the spiral downward. She has made attempts to get into rehabilitation.
"The strict bail conditions would be in place prior to her going into rehab.
"Ms Damkjaer knows this is the last chance she has to address her drug use and addition," he said.
"She is the mother of a two year old who is under a temporary care arrangement. That is further motivation to abstain from drug use so she get regain custody of her child."
Mr Morrison said Damkjaer's father had indicated there may be employment opportunities available while awaiting access to a place in rehabilitation.
"Ms Damkjaer is asking for the court for that one last opportunity," he added.
Crown DPP Alexis Hedger said she did not oppose bail "as long as the strict conditions are adhered too".
However prosecutor Sergeant Griffin told the court that Damkjaer has "broken nearly every bond she's been put on".
"Her associates are associated in drug offences. Records indicate she is a medium to high risk of re-offending.
"She has a long history of drug use.
"While your honour can place bail conditions on her, the court could not have any confidence that Ms Damkjaer will comply with any restrictions placed on her by the court," Sgt Griffin said.
"We submit that bail should be refused."
Magistrate Darcy noted Damkjaer had breached bail conditions in the past while her family had also tried to assist her in rehabilitation efforts.
"The risk is too great," the magistrate said.
The case against Damkjaer, including the Commonwealth fraud charges, will return to the Port Macquarie Local Court on November 26.
Also making news:
Thank you for valuing local journalism with your subscription. While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.