Woman Granted Bail for Drive-By Shooting to Attend Rehab
The court determined that strict bail conditions, including immediate entry into a 12-week residential program, meant she did not pose a risk to community safety. The decision was not opposed by the prosecution.
A 20-year-old woman accused of involvement in a drive-by shooting in Sydney's Mount Druitt has been granted bail by the New South Wales Supreme Court to attend a drug rehabilitation program.
The Accused and Charges
Terleaha Williams-Oliver, 20, was granted bail by Justice Sarah Huggett in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday, May 6, 2025.
She faces three charges:
- Firing a firearm into a dwelling place.
- Participating in a criminal group.
- Possessing an unregistered firearm.
Williams-Oliver was arrested in December 2024 and had been held on remand at Dillwynia Prison.
Allegations Regarding the Shooting
The charges relate to an alleged drive-by shooting at a home in Mount Druitt in May 2025. According to police allegations presented to the court:
- The incident involved two other accused individuals: Steven Mate, 30, and Christopher Leonard, 31.
- Police allege the shooting was a targeted attack against the boyfriend of one of the home's occupants.
- Prosecutors allege Williams-Oliver was part of a joint criminal plan. A message allegedly sent between the three co-accused stated: "Go there, spray it, drive for a bit and get out."
- It is alleged that Mate and Leonard drove by the home in a dark-colored hatchback. Mate allegedly fired approximately 26 rounds from a semiautomatic rifle into the premises, with some shots fired while the vehicle was parked and others as it drove away.
- Seven adults and four children were inside the home at the time. No injuries were reported.
- Williams-Oliver is specifically accused of booking a rideshare for one of her co-accused after the alleged shooting.
The Bail Decision
Justice Sarah Huggett granted bail after Williams-Oliver was approved for a 12-week drug rehabilitation program on the NSW Central Coast. Prosecutor Ben Edye did not oppose the release.
In her decision, Justice Huggett noted that Williams-Oliver had experienced prior trauma and had been diagnosed with psychological and psychiatric issues. The judge also stated Williams-Oliver was considered a vulnerable person in custody due to her First Nations status.
The court determined that the conditions of the rehabilitation program, combined with additional bail requirements, meant Williams-Oliver would not reoffend or pose a risk to community safety.
Conditions of Release
Williams-Oliver is scheduled to be released from Dillwynia Prison on Tuesday, May 7, 2025. Her bail conditions include:
- Immediately attending and residing at the designated rehabilitation centre upon release.
- Not consuming alcohol or illicit drugs.
- Complying with all additional bail conditions imposed by the court.
Next Court Date
All three co-accused—Terleaha Williams-Oliver, Steven Mate, and Christopher Leonard—are scheduled to next appear at Penrith Local Court on May 8, 2025.