A WOMAN charged with multiple offences, including alleged possessing drugs, dealing with proceeds of crime and purchasing a car without payment, has had a charge withdrawn and replaced amid a committal adjournment.
Hayley Baker, who appeared in-person in the Broken Hill Local Court on Tuesday, January 28, was charged with receiving property and/ or theft under $5000, supplying a prohibited drug, two counts of possessing a prohibited drug, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime, and dishonestly obtain property by deception.
It’s believed one of the alleged offences relates to an incident where Ms Baker used an empty bank account to purchase a car.
While she pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a prohibited drug, Magistrate Jacqueline Trad ruled all charges remain adjourned until Tuesday, February 11, to give Ms Baker time to undertake a Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment, or MERIT, assessment.
A MERIT test is an New South Wales Local Court program that aims to help those with drug and alcohol issues by assessing if a defendant is suitable for a rehabilitation program.
A charge of knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime was dismissed and withdrawn, replaced with recklessly dealing with proceeds of crime classified as a table 1 offence – meaning the value exceeded $5000.
There was also confusion surrounding the detention application notice after breach – allegation of breaching bail, with the breach of bail not established.
All matters have been adjourned until Tuesday, February 11 at the Broken Hill Local Court, with Ms Trad advising Ms Baker to organise her MERIT test as soon as possible and that early plea benefits are possible.
