A woman already on bail for allegedly not following COVID health directions was wandering the streets of Canberra during the early hours of Tuesday allegedly without a mask when she told police she ran out of smokes, court documents state.
The 19-year-old appeared via video link in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday for a fresh charge of failing to comply with health directions to which she has not pleaded.
A police document tendered to the court state that about 3.30am on September 21, officers were patrolling Reid where they allegedly saw the defendant and another woman walking along Ainslie Avenue.
Police allege the woman, who is not named due to the court having concerns about her mental health issues, was not wearing a mask and had no shoes on.
When they spoke to her, she said had run out of smokes and only just left Hackett where she was required to stay at as part of conditions imposed only one week prior.
"The defendant spoke with slurred speech and was slow to react," the police document states.
"She appeared heightened when speaking and had frequent emotional fluctuations."
During a search of her possessions, police found what they allege to be two syringes and a small clip-seal bag containing white powder residue.
Other bail conditions include to comply with ACT Mental Health directions.
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In court, defence lawyer Lauren Skinner said she had spoken with her client and "highlighted the importance of these conditions".
"[She] is fairly vulnerable," Ms Skinner said.
"While she does receive a significant amount of support in the community, some of those support services are on hold due to the COVID lockdown so there's been some difficulty."
Ms Skinner said there was no indication that the defendant was going to commit offences.
Prosecutor Alexandra Back opposed bail on the likelihood that the defendant may be charged for alleged offending again.
Ms Back said conditions imposed last week did not reduce that likelihood and that the defendant was unlikely to abide by them due to her mental health issues.
Magistrate James Lawton refused bail, saying he had concerns about her mental health.
"On the last occasion, she indicated she was using heroin to treat her mental health issues," Mr Lawton said.
During the hearing, the defendant was twirling her hair and broke down in tears at one point.
"I just want to go home," she said.
The matter is set for court again on October 27.
