Bribie woman wasted $1 million using QLD ambulances as taxis: court

What: Breaking News article

Who: Brisbane Times, Courier Mail, Sunshine Coast Daily (print and online) & Bribie Weekly

Role: Story Pitch, Court Reporter, Writer

A Bribie Island woman accused of using Queensland ambulances as a taxi service and wasting more than $1 million in emergency services costs has faced court looking less than impressed.

Bongaree resident Valerie Dawn Gough, 67, was charged with 302 counts of improper use of the 000 service and two counts of breach of bail when she appeared in the Caboolture Courthouse.

Police alleged Ms Gough treated the 000 service like a taxi service, faking ailments to get rides to the hospital to pick up her medication.

With her frizzy grey hair half tidy and half messed up, Ms Gough limped into the court with a cranky look on her face as though the ordeal was a huge inconvenience to her.

She was pulled into line by the duty lawyer for being outspoken during proceedings.

The prosecution requested strict bail conditions be imposed on Ms Gough including a ban on 000 calls unless her life was truly at threat and that she surrender her mobile phone to her carer.

When the conditions were read out Ms Gough pulled a scrunched-up face indicating her displeasure.

The prosecutor said that in the past year alone, Ms Gough had cost the emergency services more than $1 million for making the calls.

Ms Gough was released on bail.

However, the magistrate gave her a stern warning to comply with her bail conditions.

"Oh yes I will," she responded sarcastically.

Ms Gough then broke down and cried erratically.

She asked the court, "What if I had a heart attack?"

The matter was adjourned until November 19.

A police spokesman said Ms Gough's actions had been a substantial burden on the emergency services.

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