Kate Pendlebury denied bail for armed robbery and shooting
Kate Pendlebury was denied bail after a year on remand for armed robbery and shooting.
Kate Pendlebury, a self-admitted methamphetamine user from Cooktown, allegedly lured a man to a Cairns hotel room in September 2025 with text messages. Pendlebury's then-partner allegedly emerged from hiding and pointed a gun at the man's head, demanding money.
The man said he had no cash. The man was shot in the upper thigh and then handed over $2200.
The man told police Pendlebury stood behind her co-accused during the shooting. Days later, Pendlebury and her co-accused crashed a vehicle on the Bruce Highway about 1000 kilometres away.
Police found a high-powered rifle, semi-automatic shotgun and several other firearms in the crashed car. Justice Declan Kelly said Pendlebury was accused of serious armed robbery while already on bail and a long-term drug user.
He said shooting a man in the thigh could easily have led to death.
Why it mattersArmed robbery and shooting put people at risk. Bail decisions must consider the accused's criminal history and ability to change.
