One of two women charged over the theft of a man's mobility scooter at Warilla at the weekend has been released on bail, despite a court hearing details of her 87-page criminal history.
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Melissa Butler, 39, has effectively been placed under house arrest. Meantime her cousin Tracey Butler, 35, will await her next court date behind bars, refused bail on Monday because she was on an intensive corrections order at the time of the alleged re-offending.
Police will allege the women stole keys to a scooter after entering an unlocked caravan at Lake Windemere Caravan Park about 3am Wednesday. They allegedly pinched a wallet from the sleeping victim's pocket then started his motorised scooter in the carport and drove off.
On Monday Wollongong Local Court heared Melissa Butler had endured a 17-year relationship characterised by domestic violence and substance abuse. She had recently recomnnected with community elders and vowed to go to rehab, the court heard.
Police prosecutor Ben Bragger opposed Melissa's bail, citing her "voluminious" record. "Shoplifting, stealing, larceny. Her record for dishonesty can only be described as attrocious."
But Magistrate Claire Girotto agreed to strict conditional bail, which confines Melissa to the house unless in the company of her sister.
"You're in a little bit of a better situation than your cousin," the magistrate said.
The matters will return to court on July 29.