Original Article (Brisbane Times)
The sister of convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby has warned against going into business with friends after a dispute over a Gold Coast Tapas bar she co-owned landed her in court.
Mercedes Corby appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court on Friday to contest an apprehended violence order (AVO) taken out against her by ex-business partner Trudy Todd.
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The pair opened a tapas bar on the Gold Coast in 2016 but it has since closed down.
The AVO application made by NSW police on behalf of Ms Todd is related to the business relationship between the pair.
Mercedes Corby’s court appearance comes less than a week after sister Schapelle returned to Australia following her deportation from Bali.
Photo: Supplied
Magistrate Jeff Linden, who had earlier expressed concern about “dirty laundry” being aired in his courtroom if a scheduled hearing went ahead, has extended an interim order against Ms Corby.
The matter has been adjourned until September 8 and if Ms Corby doesn’t breach the order in that time it’s likely the matter will be withdrawn.
“I still oppose all the allegations in the AVO, I really did want this over and done with today,” Ms Corby said outside court escorted by a security guard.
“Don’t ever go into business with someone you know. Make sure you get everything signed.”
Trudy Todd arrives at Tweed Heads local court.
Photo: Jason O’Brien
Ms Todd, a former competitive surfer, said she was relieved the order had been extended and believed it would ensure her safety.
“I’m hoping by giving her the bar and leaving it and walking away and making that loss that I’m no longer a threat and also that I’m no longer a threat about knowing personal issues about the family,” she said.
Ms Corby’s court appearance comes less than a week after sister Schapelle returned to Australia following her deportation from Bali.
Schapelle hasn’t been seen since arriving in Brisbane on Sunday morning and her sister had a simple response when asked if she could tell media where she was.
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“No, is that a trick question?” she said.