A woman who allegedly broke into a South Lismore residence twice while people were home in the early hours of Sunday morning (April 23) and stole two cars has been refused bail.
Between 5.20am and 5.27am, police allege Theresa Lee Buchanan broke into a house on Newbridge Street and stole a wallet, keys and a Suzuki four-wheel drive – for the second time that morning.
Earlier the same morning, it is alleged 34 year-old Ms Buchanan broke into the same home while several people were sleeping and stole the keys to a green Land Rover, before driving from the scene.
Startled residents reported the alleged break and enter to police, who arrested Ms Buchanan nearby in the Suzuki four-wheel drive.
Several streets away from the alleged crime scene officers located the Land Rover.
Ms Buchanan was arrested and when she was searched police allegedly located a birth certificate, drivers licence, cash and car keys they allege were unlawfully obtained.
She was taken to Lismore police station where she was charged with five offences.
The charges included aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence, two counts of take and drive conveyance without consent of the owner, two counts of driving while disqualified, assault police and goods in custody.
Bit constable’s finger
It is alleged while Ms Buchanan was in custody she bit a constable on the finger.
In refusing Ms Buchanan bail, Sergeant Brad Walpole stated she had been charged with similar offences before.
‘She has a massive criminal history dating back to her juvenile years,’ he wrote.
On Monday at Lismore Local Court, Ms Buchanan appeared and was represented by her solicitor Kylie Anderson-Clark.
The court heard the 34 year-old was unemployed and had no dependants.
Magistrate David Heilpern ordered the brief of evidence against Ms Buchanan to be served on the defence by June 6.
He adjourned her matters until June 20 for reply to the brief of evidence.
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