A woman who went missing from Napier for several days in July and August has appeared in court, facing 10 charges in relation to events leading up to her arrest.



Her lawyer has indicated an intention that she will plead insanity.



Janelle Catherine Gray, 24, is facing charges that include taking a vehicle, shoplifting, reckless driving, breaching bail, and escaping lawful custody.



Gray is alleged to have stolen a diamond ring worth more than $4700 from a shop in Napier on June 5 and a car two days later and committed further shoplifting in July. On July 31 she went missing, prompting police to issue a missing-persons notice.

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She was located five days later at a church in Tamatea, after she was recognised by a member of the congregation from a photo published in Hawke's Bay Today.



The escape from custody is alleged to have occurred on August 24.



Gray was supported in court yesterday by her parents and two other relatives. She was released on bail and a date will be set next week for a hearing to determine if insanity at the time of her offending can be used as a defence.