Former Camooweal police officer Daniel Allan Baker will remain behind bars after his bail was refused on Friday (June 14).
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Mr Baker, faces 11 charges of fraud, stealing and misconduct dating back to his time as the Camooweal Police Officer-in-Charge. He awaited his bail decision in a video appearance in Mount Isa Magistrates Court.
Acting Magistrate Richard Lehmann weighed up the evidence provided by Mr Baker's defence counsel Helen Armitage and police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Hutchins.
"The defendant had no prior criminal history but was a police officer at the time of these alleged offences," Magistrate Lehmann said.
"Since the alleged offences there is a breach of bail on his criminal history for failing to appear, to which he was sentenced to two months imprisonment.
"Mr Baker has a partner and a son who would relocate to Queensland if granted bail and reside at an address of a friend in Maleny.
"If (he was) to reside in Maleny Mr Baker has employment prospects in the racing industry."
In regards to Mr Baker's previous bail history, Magistrate Lehmann highlighted there was residential conditions that were breached.
"In September Mr Baker had left his bail address residing with his sister - she didn't know his whereabouts," Magistrate Lehmann said.
"His appearance was required in Mount Isa Magistrates Court - he failed to appear - a warrant was issued for his arrest.
"Mr Baker left Queensland fled initially to South Australia and then to the Northern Territory, breaching his bail conditions.
"The phone that was being used were put in his partner's name and he used his partner's bank account. After approximately 18 months, the defendant was arrested in the Northern Territory after tracking one of the phones in his partner's name."
Lehmann said Mr Baker was facing serious offences in particular misconduct charge, and in conjunction with the other matters it was a strong crown case.
"Given his previous grievance of bail and seriousness of the offence, quite clearly he is an unacceptable case of failing to appear," Magistrate Lehmann said.
"Given his misconduct of prior bail with conditions I cannot be satisfied conditions would not reduce the risk. I can't have regard to imposing a condition of wearing a tracking device.
"It is my duty to refuse his bail and he is to be reprimanded in custody."
Mr Baker will appear in Mount Isa Magistrates Court via video link on Thursday, July 11 at 11am for a hand-up committal.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
