Recent changes to the Bail Act mean that people charged
with serious offences have to meet more onerous requirements before
the Court will consider bail.
The changes are in response to a public outcry over crimes
committed by people who were allowed back into the community on
bail after they had been arrested and charged with serious crimes
such as sexual assault or robbery.
Stacks Law Firm criminal lawyer Jessica Mackay said public anger
about people who commit crimes whilst on bail is
understandable.
"But at the same time it is important to remember that bail
is a fundamental component of a person's right to be presumed
innocent until proven guilty," Ms Mackay said.
"Typically, a person applying for bail in the Local Court
was arrested the day before, so the Court will know nothing about
the case and allegations made by police may not yet be supported by
hard evidence.
