A WOMAN with a long-standing drug problem has been granted strict conditional bail on new charges of larceny.
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Christine Edwards denied committing the offence when she was brought before Magistrate Andrew Eckhold in Dubbo Local Court.
Police allege Edwards and co-offenders stole goods from a Dubbo retailer on April 7.
The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) raised concerns about closed-circuit television footage tendered by the prosecution.
"This matter will turn solely on identification. The video footage may not be clear enough beyond reasonable doubt.''
Magistrate Eckhold set the matter down for hearing after five video clips were played in court.
Police opposed a bail application for the welfare and protection of the community.
"The criminal history speaks for itself,'' the prosecutor said.
"Jail is inevitable if she is convicted. Closed-circuit television footage shows her in the store. There are statements from witnesses.''
The ALS said Edwards had started receiving methadone in jail and was responding well (to a once-a-day dose dispensed to control symptoms of drug withdrawal).
Magistrate Eckhold said he would grant bail "with some trepidation".
Edwards was ordered to live with her daughter in West Dubbo, report to police, accept the directions of Community Corrections and continue to receive daily methadone doses.
Edwards was ordered to enter into a $1000 self-surety promising to comply with the bail conditions.
Magistrate Eckhold said an acceptable person would need to agree to promise $500 bail surety.
Edwards was warned to stay out of trouble.
"You will go back into custody if there is so much as a hint or a whiff of not doing the right thing,'' the magistrate said.
"There can be no more offending.''
Edwards will return to court on August 6.
