A Melbourne woman charged after the fatal stabbing of a young tradie will be released on bail to live with her sister, who is on bail too.
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Scarlett Taylor, 21, is facing unlawful assault and affray charges over the death of 26-year-old Cam Smith outside Seaford train station in Melbourne's southeast.
The carpenter was stabbed in November after he stepped in to defend his girlfriend when they were allegedly confronted by a group of four young people including Taylor.
She was granted her freedom on Thursday despite police concerns she may have assisted with disposing of the murder weapon.
Her former boyfriend Jack Ledlin is charged with Mr Smith's murder, while Taylor is accused of inciting a confrontation between herself, the victim and others.
Magistrate Susan Wakeling heard in a bail application on Thursday that Taylor would live with her half-sister Holly Stockdale, who is herself on bail.
Ms Stockdale has been convicted of breaching bail conditions in the past, and was arrested earlier this month after twice failing to attend court.
Ms Stockdale said she knew it was a mistake and being arrested made her feel awful.
But she's promised she'll dob in Taylor if she is granted bail and breaches the rules.
"I wouldn't want my sister to make that mistake like I have," she said.
Taylor's lawyer David Rofe said families weren't perfect, but Ms Stockdale had been truthful about her own struggles and argued the risk could be mitigated.
Police opposed the bail application, concerned Taylor might attempt to destroy or hide the alleged murder weapon, which has not been found.
Ms Wakeling accepted in her reasons that there were risks with releasing Taylor on bail.
Taylor has complex mental health issues, a history of drug abuse and poor compliance with bail.
She said Ms Stockdale also had poor compliance with bail and court orders and she would not rely on her to supervise Taylor.
Instead, Taylor will be supervised over the phone and in person through a court bail program which will include mental health referrals.
Another man, Liam Casley, is also facing assault and affray over the incident. He remains in custody after being denied bail.
A 17-year-old from Frankston is charged with affray, intentionally causing injury and committing offences while on bail, and is currently on bail.
Australian Associated Press
