FOLLOW UP
It would appear that attempted murder is now an offence whereby one can get bail in this Country and my view has certainly changed from earlier posts.
There is definately more to this than meets the eye but I am wondering why the national media has not picked this story up.
LINK
http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.a...E14787,00.html
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Accused Marines allowed bail
By SHEREE LINEHAM
07feb04
TWO United States marines charged over an incident at a Townsville nightclub were granted bail in the Supreme Court yesterday.
It was the marines' second bail attempt -- they were denied bail when they appeared in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Lance Corporal Craig Mathew Meeks, 21, is charged with attempted murder while Staff Sergeant Beryl Wilson Jr, 33, is charged with assault following the weekend incident at Flinders St East nightclub Bullwinkles.
Police allege a 23-year-old university student was struck with a bottle and stabbed in the neck with a knife in the incident.
Justice Kerry Cullinane granted the pair bail on condition they stay at Garbutt RAAF base and observe a 10pm-6am curfew.
The judge also imposed an additional condition that they report three times a week to Townsville police station.
He questioned the defence about passports but barrister Greg Lynham said that under a training agreement the marines were part of they did not have any.
The only way they could obtain passports was through the US Embassy.
Mr Lynham said the marines would reside at the RAAF base.
In the meantime he would try to get the US Government to give an undertaking that if taken home the pair would be returned to Australia for court appearances.
This undertaking would have to be in writing and consent from the Director of Public Prosections must be given before the two could leave Australia.
The marines are serving with a US fighter squadron visiting Townsville.