The woman accused of being involved in a daring daylight prison escape will be exploring the issue of mental impairment.
Lila Rose Mary Walto, 28, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday (14 October) over the phone from the Alexander Maconochie Centre.
Lawyer Carley Hitchins of Aulich told the court that she had previously indicated the matters against her client could be resolved, but after discussions with barrister John Purnell SC, they had decided to explore the issue of mental impairment.
She asked for a lengthy adjournment so the legal team could seek a psychiatric assessment.
Magistrate Beth Campbell allowed the adjournment, putting the matter over to 10 January 2022. She remanded Ms Walto in custody until then.
She is alleged to have been involved in the dramatic prison escape on 9 July 2021.
According to ACT Policing, the drama began at about 4 pm when a white Jeep 4WD rammed into an ACT Corrective Services’ transport car on Oxley Street in Griffith.
While still wearing handcuffs, prisoner Kane Quinn, 28, allegedly escaped from the Toyota Camry, and a woman drove him away from the crash site in the Jeep.
Police later found the Jeep torched in Forrest and Quinn was allegedly found hiding in the roof of a Lyneham house at about 9 pm that night.
Ms Walto is facing a long list of charges, including harbouring an escapee, rescuing a person from lawful custody using force, assault, arson, theft and dangerous driving.
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