Chasleigh Karen Mitchell: Woman accused of attempted Wandina carjacking granted bail

A Geraldton woman accused of an attempted carjacking, which saw her allegedly sit on top of another woman and drive a couple of hundred metres before fleeing, has been granted bail.

Chasleigh Karen Mitchell appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court via video link from Bandyup Women’s Prison on Tuesday for a bail application.

In outlying his proposal for bail, defence lawyer Xavier Sellathambu said Ms Mitchell could reside with her grandparents in Carnarvon.

He said they planned to pick her up from prison and drive back to Carnarvon.

The court was told the grandparents raised Ms Mitchell as a child and were her primary caregivers.

He suggested Ms Mitchell engage with mental health services in Carnarvon.

Mr Sellathambu said his client did not recall being in hospital and transported to Perth after the incident.

“She woke up and found herself in Bandyup,” he said.

The court was told a mental health report revealed cannabis use was behind the alleged offending and continued use could increase the likelihood of further episodes.

Police prosecutor Sgt Beau Jones said the attempted robbery charge had been upgraded to attempted aggravated robbery as the rotator cuff of the alleged victim was torn.

Police say about 10.40 am on September 16, a woman was driving on Ocean Queen Drive in Wandina when she stopped at the intersection.

The court was told Ms Mitchell allegedly opened the car door and demanded the driver get out.

When she refused to get out of the vehicle it’s alleged Ms Mitchell sat in the passenger seat on top of the victim and pulled her hair.

It’s then alleged the 22-year-old took hold of the steering wheel and hit the accelerator, causing the car to travel at a unknown speed along Derna Parade.

Police allege the vehicle travelled more than 200m, swerving down the road before the alleged victim was able to gain control and stop the car.

It’s alleged Ms Mitchell fled on foot and resisted arrest when she was caught by throwing herself and kicking out towards a sergeant twice.

Magistrate Angus Hockton agreed to grant bail, stating that a residence condition and curfew would be needed.

He said any risk of reoffending could be minimised if Ms Mitchell complied with her medical regime.

“If she does continue to use cannabis, she will be brought back to court,” Mr Hockton said.

He said it appeared Ms Mitchell was an unwell person rather than a criminally minded person.

Under her bail conditions Ms Mitchell must report to Carnarvon Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, not leave WA and obey a 9pm to 7am curfew.