Melbourne, 31 August 2014 – A police investigation was launched after a bomb hoax closed off Bourke Mall in Melbourne city centre for more than an hour.
David Jones and Myers were closed to customers for more than an hour during the afternoon while police performed a safety check in and around the mall precinct.
A WOMAN charged over yesterday’s Bourke St bomb hoax has been banned from the Melbourne CBD.
Amanda Baker-Johnson, 39, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court today charged over the hoax that saw thousands of shoppers evacuated from Bourke St Mall. She is charged with causing a bomb hoax, making a false report to police and using a telecommunication device to menace.
The alleged serial offender has also been charged with 47 similar bomb hoax offences over a string of other incidents.
Police did not oppose her release on bail today providing she comply with strict bail conditions, including a ban from the CBD.
The court heard Ms Baker-Johnson, who suffers from significant psychiatric issues, would also complete a mental health assessment.
She will return to court on September 18.
Police blocked off the mall between Swanston St and Elizabeth St and were ordering people to back away.
Read More: News Corp