Hill's bid for bail is refused

Nathan Paull | 28th November 2009

A MAN accused of numerous sexual and violent offences made a bid for bail in the Gladstone Magistrates Court yesterday.

However, Magistrate Damian Carroll refused the 32-year-old Michael James Hill’s application, saying the crown case against him was too strong.

It is alleged Hill assaulted a woman at the Reef Hotel, attempted to rob her, raped her, held her against her will before fleeing down Goondoon Street. Hill was also charged with assaulting another woman the same day.

Mr Carroll said special circumstances had to apply for him to be released from custody, but defence solicitor Stacey O’Gorman was unable to convince Mr Carroll the circumstances applied.

But he did note Ms O’Gorman’s submission that Hill was arrested in July and had already spent time behind bars.

She also submitted that a committal hearing could not be arranged until DNA evidence had been returned, which could take months.

However, Police Prosecutor Constable Troy Daubaras said there was enough evidence to link Hill to the crimes.

Security footage showed a man matching Hill’s description making phone calls from a pay phone in Goondoon Street to both women before the offences occurred and then fleeing the hotel after the alleged attack.

The matter was adjourned until January 15.