Thread by @dhadjowa

Counsel Assisting (CA) raises matters relevant to Veronica's bail app

CA: In her bail app that we have the recording of the police provide reasons for opposing the bail and one of them is that they describe her as a recidivist shop stealer..

Prior challenges VicPol's narrative

Prior comments on matters in favour of Veronica's bail

Prior: “She doesn’t present w history of failures to appear, she would have had support and accommodation available to her in two locations…and then the nature of the offending was [low risk and non-violent]"

CA: In terms of the matters that you would have put before the court had you had been making an app on her behalf, what would they be?

Prior: She [Veronica] is an Aboriginal woman and every aspect of the application must be heard through that lens

#JusticeForVeronicaNelson

"In my submission every day she [Veronica] spent in custody was a day longer than she would have been sentenced”

-Jill Prior, Law and Advocacy Centre for Women

#JusticeForVeronicaNelson

Prior reflects on the 2018 bail reforms in Victoria and their impact on women, referring to this as a "dire time" with a big increase in the number of women held in custody.

#JusticeForVeronicaNelson

Ms Prior is asked about the charges that Veronica was arrested for and whether a jail term would be appropriate.

Prior: "I hold the view that shop steal offending does not warrant a custodial sentence. I held that view then and I still hold that view" #JusticeForVeronicaNelson

Court adjourns until 10am tomorrow morning and Jill Prior will continue her evidence.

#JusticeForVeronicaNelson

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