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Former Barwon Prison staffer granted curfew change while facing drug trafficking charges - Geelong, VIC
Smart summary
A former Barwon Prison employee has had her bail curfew relaxed so she can seek legitimate employment while her alleged commercial drug trafficking case continues.
A former Barwon Prison staff member facing serious drug trafficking allegations has been granted a change to her bail conditions in Geelong Magistrates’ Court, allowing her greater flexibility to seek employment.
Sarah Constable was charged in June 2026 with trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs after police allegedly discovered more than 100 grams of ice in her vehicle. She was released on bail in July under a strict curfew requiring her to remain at her home between 8pm and 7am.
Constable returned to court this week seeking an adjustment to those restrictions. Her defence argued that she needed to be able to obtain employment and rebuild her life while the criminal proceedings continue.
The court heard that Constable had been complying with her existing bail requirements. Her defence also raised concerns about difficulties she had experienced because of her previous employment at the prison, arguing that her professional background had made her a marked person while in custody.
Magistrate Carolyn Howe agreed to modify the curfew. Under the amended conditions, Constable must now remain at her current address between 9pm and 7am, unless she has left home for legitimate employment purposes. The court was told that the relevant informant must be notified before she leaves for work and appropriate documentation must be provided.
The prosecution had previously raised concerns about the possibility of witness interference while the investigation into the alleged drug supply network continues. Constable has been described in the proceedings as an alleged courier or “mule”.
The court also heard that forensic testing of the drugs allegedly seized from her vehicle remains outstanding. The testing process could contribute to a lengthy delay before the matter reaches trial.
Constable’s parents have provided substantial support for her bail application, including a $100,000 surety and an undertaking to report any breaches of her bail conditions. The court considered the arrangements when determining the amended restrictions.
The allegations remain before the court and have not been proven. Constable is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until the charges are determined by a court.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 2026, while investigators continue work on the broader case.
The case highlights the complex conditions that can apply to people released on bail while serious criminal investigations remain underway. The court's latest decision allows Constable to pursue legitimate employment while maintaining overnight restrictions and other requirements designed to manage the risks identified by prosecutors.
CourtConstableWhileBailEmployment
A former Barwon Prison staff member facing serious drug trafficking allegations has been granted a change to her bail conditions in Geelong Magistrates’ Court, allowing her greater flexibility to seek employment.
Sarah Constable was charged in June 2026 with trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs after police allegedly discovered more than 100 grams of ice in her vehicle. She was released on bail in July under a strict curfew requiring her to remain at her home between 8pm and 7am.
Constable returned to court this week seeking an adjustment to those restrictions. Her defence argued that she needed to be able to obtain employment and rebuild her life while the criminal proceedings continue.
The court heard that Constable had been complying with her existing bail requirements. Her defence also raised concerns about difficulties she had experienced because of her previous employment at the prison, arguing that her professional background had made her a marked person while in custody.
Magistrate Carolyn Howe agreed to modify the curfew. Under the amended conditions, Constable must now remain at her current address between 9pm and 7am, unless she has left home for legitimate employment purposes. The court was told that the relevant informant must be notified before she leaves for work and appropriate documentation must be provided.
The prosecution had previously raised concerns about the possibility of witness interference while the investigation into the alleged drug supply network continues. Constable has been described in the proceedings as an alleged courier or “mule”.
The court also heard that forensic testing of the drugs allegedly seized from her vehicle remains outstanding. The testing process could contribute to a lengthy delay before the matter reaches trial.
Constable’s parents have provided substantial support for her bail application, including a $100,000 surety and an undertaking to report any breaches of her bail conditions. The court considered the arrangements when determining the amended restrictions.
The allegations remain before the court and have not been proven. Constable is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until the charges are determined by a court.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 2026, while investigators continue work on the broader case.
The case highlights the complex conditions that can apply to people released on bail while serious criminal investigations remain underway. The court's latest decision allows Constable to pursue legitimate employment while maintaining overnight restrictions and other requirements designed to manage the risks identified by prosecutors.
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