Woman charged with sexually abusing 10-year-old daughter refused bail in Adelaide




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The Adelaide Magistrates Court heard the woman was initially released on bail but was later re-arrested. (ABC News: Carl Saville)

A woman charged with sexually abusing her own daughter has been refused bail after the court heard she allegedly tried to pressure one of her other children into withdrawing their witness statement.

The woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her children, is charged with indecently assaulting and maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with her 10-year-old daughter.

Her partner is jointly charged with that offending and is also accused of sexually abusing the woman’s older daughter, aged 15.

The Adelaide Magistrates Court heard the woman was initially released on bail but was re-arrested after allegedly trying to stop her eldest daughter from giving evidence about the abuse of her younger sister.

The woman had allegedly wiped her mobile phone before she was taken back into custody and was charged with two counts of preventing a person from giving evidence.

The court heard the woman allegedly sent numerous messages to her older daughter on almost a daily basis pleading with her to withdraw her statement.

She allegedly offered incentives such as food and clothes, promising to spend the tens of thousands of dollars she’d save on legal fees on her daughter instead.

In opposing bail, prosecutor Kevin Lowe said the pressure had a significant effect on the teenage witness, who is also an alleged victim.

“There has been a determined, concerted effort to make contact with the principal witness and victims of the matters,” Mr Lowe told the court.

“The only way to protect the integrity, evidence, prosecution witnesses and victims is for the [woman] to be refused all forms of bail.”

Chief Magistrate Mary-Louise Hribal refused bail, saying the allegations were too serious and there was a “real concern” that the woman would interfere with the investigation if released.

The case returns to court next month.

Source: Thanks msn.com