A Primbee woman has allegedly been captured on CCTV cameras rummaging through students' lockers and the classrooms of a Wollongong high school during the day.
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Leanne Cora Maher, 42, was refused bail in Wollongong Local Court yesterday after she was arrested on Friday.
Documents tendered to court said Maher allegedly entered the grounds of St Mary Star of the Sea College through the south-eastern corner about 12.25pm on Friday, during school hours while students were there.
Maher was allegedly captured on extensive CCTV cameras, wearing dark coloured shorts, two singlet tops, a black jumper, cap and runners.
She was allegedly seen wandering through the school, looking in different classrooms and opening numerous lockers before taking unknown items out of them.
On one occasion she allegedly took a combination lock off a locker, opened the door, put her arm inside and took what appeared to be Air Pods before putting them in a plastic bag she was carrying, the documents said.
Maher continued walking around the school before walking out. A maintenance supervisor followed her out onto the street but he lost sight of her.
The supervisor called police, with officers patrolling the area before they viewed the CCTV footage at the school.
Council surveillance footage confirmed Maher was last seen near a unit complex on Crown Street.
Officers found her across the road before she was arrested. Maher was searched and officers found a box cutter knife in her bag.
She was taken to Wollongong Police Station where she was charged with entering a building with the intent to commit an indictable offence; entering inclosed land without a lawful excuse and having custody of a knife in a public place.
In court yesterday, defence lawyer Greg Melrose said Maher admitted she went into the school but claimed she asked a construction work if she could check the garbage bins to see if there were any salvageable items.
Mr Melrose said Maher claimed she did not steal any items, nor went through lockers, and the Air Pods were actually her old iPod she brought with her.
Mr Melrose also said his client was of Aboriginal decent, on the methadone program, needed to care for a terminally ill aunt and had been otherwise complying with bail conditions for an unrelated matter of aggravated break and enter.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Leah Argent said the case against Maher was strong as CCTV had captured her allegedly opening numerous doors, going into classroom and lockers.
Magistrate Claire Girotto agreed the case against Maher appeared strong and refused to grant her bail. The case was adjourned to tomorrow.
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