The Supreme Court of Western Australia has denied bail to a woman accused of a fatal stabbing in the Mid West city of Geraldton. Molina Ryan, 26, faces a charge of murdering a 31-year-old man earlier this year.
Details of the Alleged Offence
The incident that led to the charge occurred on Saturday, 27 July 2024. Police allege that Ryan fatally stabbed the man at a residence on Fitzgerald Street in Geraldton. Emergency services were called to the scene, but the man could not be revived and died from his injuries.
Ryan was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of murder. She has not yet entered a plea to the charge. The case is being managed by the Supreme Court in Perth, with the most recent bail application heard by Justice Joseph McGrath.
The Supreme Court Bail Decision
During the hearing, Justice McGrath considered submissions from both the defence and the prosecution. The court was required to assess whether there were exceptional reasons to justify granting bail, given the seriousness of the murder charge.
After deliberation, Justice McGrath ruled that bail should be refused. The judge found that the prosecution had presented a strong case against the accused. Furthermore, the court expressed concerns about potential risks, including the possibility of Ryan failing to appear for future court dates and the protection of the community.
As a result of this decision, Molina Ryan will remain in custody while her case progresses through the justice system. Her next court appearance is scheduled for a directions hearing later this year.
Legal Process and Next Steps
The refusal of bail means the matter will continue through the Supreme Court's trial listing process. A directions hearing is a procedural step where future dates are set and any preliminary legal issues are discussed ahead of a potential trial.
Murder charges in Western Australia carry a mandatory penalty of life imprisonment, though a judge determines the minimum time that must be served before eligibility for parole. The case has drawn significant attention in the Geraldton community, highlighting the legal procedures surrounding serious violent offences in regional Western Australia.
The police investigation into the circumstances of the man's death is now complete, with the evidence forming the basis of the prosecution's case. All parties will now prepare for the upcoming court proceedings, where the allegations will be tested in a formal trial setting unless a plea is entered beforehand.
