Melbourne mother denied bail after alleged attempt to drown children

A mother has been denied bail in Melbourne after being accused of attempting to drown her three children during a mental health crisis. The incident occurred in March when the woman drove her submerged vehicle into a creek while her children, all under the age of 12, were present.

During a video link appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates Court, the defense argued that the woman was suffering from a “severe and debilitating” form of obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-natal depression. While the defense suggested community-based rehabilitation and a potential mental impairment defense, the prosecution raised concerns regarding her mental state and the risk of regression.

Magistrate James Henderson dismissed the bail application, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the strength of the prosecution's case. The woman remains in custody pending a Supreme Court directions hearing scheduled for October 12.