A woman facing serious legal charges, including two counts of negligent manslaughter and one count of causing serious injury through negligence, was released on bail last September, despite opposition from prosecutors.

The magistrate allowed Lee to reside with her mother in Moama, New South Wales. Her bail conditions required her to check in with police three times a week and inform authorities of any change of address.

Last night, Lee turned herself in to the police and appeared in court today seeking bail.

The prosecution claimed to have “criminal intelligence” suggesting Lee’s involvement in “high-risk activities,” including police chases, firearms possession, and drug-related offenses.

He alleged he had “criminal intelligence” that Lee was involved in “high-risk offending”, including police pursuits, possessing a firearm, dealing and consuming drugs. 

Mitchell said Lee, while on bail, was seen in a vehicle with stolen number plates about 18 hours before it was used to evade police, but he said she would not be charged over that matter.

“My fear is she is potentially engaging in criminal offending,” he told the court.

“It’s an educated opinion of mine that people who drive around on stolen plates aren’t going to the shops to get groceries.”

He said she had been reporting to Echuca police until December 24 and then stopped.

Her lawyer Nick Jane said Lee was “going through an incredibly difficult emotional time” in December as it was the birthday of her youngest child – who died in the fire – on the 21st.

“Almost immediately after the birthday of the youngest child is when she stops complying with bail,” he said.

He said Moama was isolating for Lee and proposed she reside at a new address in Altona if released on bail.

Lee’s ex-partner Matthew McAuliffe was also charged with negligent manslaughter, but the case against him was discontinued as he died while on bail in October.

The bail hearing continues this afternoon.