A woman previously jailed for nearly killing a cyclist has lost a fresh bid for freedom after a judge found she was an unacceptable risk to the community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Rebekah Stewart, 33, was sentenced to six years' prison in 2017 after hitting cyclist Christian Ashby in central Victoria and leaving him for dead.
But she was back in the community in August 2025 when she allegedly committed 52 fresh offences, including dangerous driving and drug trafficking.
Police allege Stewart drove through a red light in a Toyota Hilux bearing false plates on August 6, crashing into another vehicle with two passengers inside before running away from the scene.
Officers searched the ute and a bag left behind and allegedly found $70,000 in cash, drugs and other items.
They then searched Stewart's Kew home two weeks later and allegedly located more cash and drugs, as well as a loaded firearm.
Stewart was remanded into custody but made an application for bail in the Victorian Supreme Court on January 8, arguing she had exceptional reasons to be released.
Her lawyer cited the availability of a 12-week residential rehabilitation program in Shepparton to address her drug issues.
Stewart's mother also put forward a $325,000 surety, telling the court she would keep a close eye on her daughter and report any bail breaches.
Justice Amanda Fox on Monday accepted the residential rehabilitation program and the surety were factors going in Stewart's favour.
But she found they were not enough to warrant a release on bail, especially when considering the seriousness of the alleged offending and Stewart's prior convictions.
Justice Fox noted Stewart had previously breached court orders cancelling her driver's licence and she violated her parole in relation to the 2017 sentence.
"I am not persuaded that exceptional circumstances exist," the judge said.
Stewart was also an unacceptable risk of endangering the community, Justice Fox said.
Stewart's alleged driving in August had been "persistent and unlawful" and there were concerns she could get behind the wheel again, the judge said.
Justice Fox refused the bail application and instead remanded Stewart in custody.
The 33-year-old will return to Melbourne Magistrates Court in March for a committal hearing.
Australian Associated Press
