Leifer’s first Australian court appearance
Malka Leifer has appeared by video link before the Bail and Remand Court.
HOURS after arriving in Australia and being ferried from Melbourne Airport late last night in a police vehicle, Malka Leifer this morning appeared by video link before a remand session of the Bail and Remand Court.
Appearing on camera, Leifer wore a white turban, patterned jacket and blue dress.
Magistrate Johanna Metcalf asked Tony Hargreaves, representing Leifer, to confirm the charges against her, and he confirmed the former Adass Israel School principal faced 74 charges (relating to alleged child sexual abuse).
Hargreaves notified the court that Leifer had made no application for bail.
The magistrate asked Hargreaves if there were any custody management issues, and he stated that Leifer required certain medications for her “significant mental health issues”. Noting Victoria Police had provided Leifer with her medications on her flight, Metcalf requested that a list of her medications which is held by police be transferred to prison authorities.
Hargreaves also said, “the prison authorities are or should be aware that Ms Leifer has very strict religious beliefs and special arrangements will need to be made for her to comply” and he understood Victoria Police has been in contact with the relevant authorities about that.
He also asked that Leifer, who is currently still in police custody, be transferred to a prison facility as quickly as possible. “She is now in the custody of Victoria Police and there simply aren’t facilities available.”
Appearing for the Office of Public Prosecutions, Phillip Raimondo told the magistrate he concurs with the arrangements.
Leifer has been remanded for a committal hearing by video link before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on April 9, her next scheduled court appearance.
comments