UPDATE: Rebekah Stewart, 32, is back behind bars after a shocking series of events, including a reckless hit-and-run and serious drug charges. Just days ago, the Supreme Court of Victoria heard allegations against Stewart, who has a troubling history of dangerous driving and drug offenses.
In a harrowing incident, Stewart allegedly crashed her vehicle head-on into another car while fleeing police on August 6. The court revealed that she was behind the wheel of a stolen Toyota Hilux when she ran a red light and collided with an innocent driver, putting multiple lives at serious risk.
Christian Ashby, a cyclist, was severely injured in a previous hit-and-run incident involving Stewart in 2016. He sustained life-altering injuries that required ten major operations. The shocking nature of Stewart’s past behavior raises urgent concerns about her potential release.
Authorities confirmed that Stewart was initially sentenced to six years in prison in April 2017 for dangerous driving causing serious injury. After serving four years, she was released in February 2021 but quickly returned to prison for breaching her parole conditions. She reportedly spent an additional ten months behind bars before her most recent release in October 2023.
After her release, police linked Stewart to drug trafficking, alleging she was involved in the sale of methamphetamine. A raid on her residence uncovered over 310g of meth, a significant amount of cash totaling more than $70,000, and a loaded handgun. Crown prosecutor Marcel White described the case against her as “very strong” and emphasized the danger she poses to the community.
At her bail hearing, Stewart’s mother, Jennifer Stewart, offered a $20,000 surety, expressing her belief in her daughter’s rehabilitation. She stated, “I know she’s going to do it this time.” If granted bail, Stewart would be placed in a rehabilitation facility in Shepparton for 12 weeks before potentially returning to live with her mother in Ballarat.
Prosecutor White cautioned against releasing Stewart, citing her extensive history of ignoring court orders and her potential to relapse. He warned that if she were to drive again, the outcomes could be “catastrophic.” Justice Amanda Fox is expected to deliver her decision on Stewart’s bail request on Friday.
This rapidly evolving story raises significant questions about public safety and the judicial system’s handling of repeat offenders. The community remains on edge as they await the court’s decision regarding Stewart’s future.
