Corey Wayne Martin: Bail granted for man accused of violent acts against woman in December

An Albany man accused of horrific domestic violence acts has been granted bail despite opposition from the prosecution who called a signed affidavit supporting his release a “facade” to get him out of jail. Corey Wayne Martin, 29, appeared via video link from Albany Regional Prison in Albany Magistrates Court on Thursday, on nine charges. The 29-year-old was in custody awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty on August 29 to stealing a vehicle, driving without a licence, obstructing public officers, and assaulting a public officer. He is also awaiting trial for allegedly impeding a person’s breathing, aggravated assault, and threatening to kill, which he pleaded not guilty to on March 28. Applying for bail on behalf of her client, defence lawyer Sonia Anderson presented an affidavit signed by Mr Martin’s friend, offering to take him in and outlining “clear boundaries” for his stay, including no drugs or alcohol. Mr Martin has not applied for bail since his December arrest. Ms Anderson said Mr Martin acknowledges the seriousness of the alleged offences. She also said he had used drugs and alcohol to cope with the death of his father but had “cleaned himself up” while in prison. Opposing bail, police prosecutor Sgt Matt Hartfield said police had previously found firearms and paraphernalia at the proposed address and called the conditions a “facade” to get Mr Martin out of custody. Sgt Hartfield said Mr Martin was on a conditional suspended imprisonment order when he committed the “fairly significant” alleged offences and that he faces prison time if convicted. Ms O’Donnell said she did not consider Mr Martin a flight risk and that he is unlikely to reoffend against the victim because she is currently incarcerated. Mr Martin was granted bail with conditions including a $1000 personal undertaking, urine analysis, reporting every Friday to Albany police station, and residing in Mira Mar. Mr Martin will next appear in Albany Magistrates Court on November 4. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.