A Caboolture mother of two identified as Ashley Jean Zammit, will remain behind bars on remand after she allegedly doused another woman with accelerant in an attempt to set her on fire.
Ashley Jean Zammit, who is 33 years old, was apprehended and charged with intending to cause grievous bodily harm in Caboolture, Queensland.
Police claim that Zammit went to a property in Banksia Beach to confront a 36-year-old woman she knew on April 4 at around 9:45 am.
Allegedly, Ashley Jean Zammit poured accelerant on the woman’s clothing and body before attempting to ignite her with a lighter.
Court documents state that Zammit used an explosive substance unlawfully against the woman from Morayfield.
Fortunately, the victim managed to escape unharmed and drove away in her car.
During the court proceedings, Zammit’s defense solicitor, Ngarangi Rangihuna, explained that his client couldn’t appear via video link due to health issues she experienced while in custody, including difficulties with medication and eating.
Rangihuna mentioned that Zammit had been seeking assistance from mental health specialists and asserted that she would comply with strict bail conditions, such as regular reporting and wearing an ankle monitoring device.
Magistrate Kurt Fowler denied the bail application, stating he would have been more willing to consider granting bail if Ms Zammit was living ‘two, three, 400km away’ from the alleged victim.
‘This is an allegation that she deliberately drove somewhere with a jerry can full of fuel, it can’t be suggested it’s a spontaneous act and to the extent caused that to be put on another person where there’s a [alleged] history of animosity,’ Mr Fowler said.
‘She [allegedly] had a lighter which at some stage was used or attempted to be used to cause a light to attempt a naked flame.’
Mr Rangihuna said he had instructions to continue with the bail application despite the possibility his client could live in Casino, NSW, on bail.
He indicated to the court his client would consider appealing the bail application before the Brisbane Supreme Court.
Mr Fowler adjourned the matter to August 1 for further mention.