An Illawarra woman accused of helping her boyfriend evade police captured while he was wanted on a murder charge has been released on bail by the NSW Supreme Court.
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Holly Powers stands accused of aiding and abetting her boyfriend of eight weeks, Darren Butler, while he spent almost two weeks on the run from police following his alleged involvement in a fatal fuel tanker crash in May that claimed the life of father-of-seven Daniel Merrett.
Police documents previously tendered to the court said Merrett was killed when the Ford Territory he was a passenger in slammed into the fuel tanker in the early hours of May 18 at an estimated speed of about 160km/h.
The Territory's driver Kayleen Merrett, and fellow passengers Jakaya Clulow and Thomas Johnson were seriously injured in the crash.
Police will allege the Territory was being pursued by a Toyota Corolla containing Butler, Andrew Russell and Holly Green following an earlier confrontation between the two groups at a Cringila service station over Mr Johnson's unpaid debt to Green's brother.
It is alleged Butler and Russell fired a number of shots at the Territory as it fled.
Butler and Russell have been charged with murder, while Green is facing a charge of attempted aggravated armed robbery.
Detectives issued warrants for the arrests of Butler, Russell and Green three days later.
Russell was apprehended on May 22, while Butler was arrested on May 30.
Police will allege Powers aided Butler while he was on the run, with a phone tap on Powers' mobile phone allegedly picking up a call from Butler on the morning of May 30 where he asked Powers for money for petrol.
Powers allegedly arranged to meet Butler at Westfield Figtree that morning. Butler arrived in a Nissan Navara accompanied by its owner, Matthew Ryan.
The pair picked up Powers, however nearby highway patrol officers recognised Butler and signalled for him to pull over.
The car allegedly sped off, taking police on a chase until it eventually crashed in a nearby oval.
Police apprehended Powers and Ryan near the abandoned car but had to chase after Butler. He was eventually caught by a police dog.
Butler and Russell are facing charges of murder, while Ryan and Powers have been charged with being accessories after the fact to murder.
In court on Tuesday, Justice Peter Hamill SC agreed to grant Powers bail on the conditions she report to police once a week, not apply for a passport approach any international points of departure and not associate with any co-accused or contact prosecution witnesses.
The case was adjourned to November 6 in Wollongong.
