Stella Whitelaw faces SA court accused of forcing woman, who has intellectual disability, into sexual servitude

A woman has faced court accused of keeping a person with an intellectual disability in sexual slavery – and flailed at media outside.

An Edwardstown woman kept a person with an intellectual disability in “servitude” for more than three years, forcing her to perform sex acts for money, a court has heard.

On Wednesday, Stella Whitelaw flailed her umbrella at the media as she and a supporter left the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

She had been due to enter her plea to a single count of inflicting sexual servitude upon a person, but that was postponed.

A prosecutor told the state’s chief magistrate, Judge Mary-Louise Hribal, an adjournment was needed on behalf of the alleged victim.

“I make an application for an adjournment, the reason being that the complainant is the alleged victim of sexual offending,” she said.

“She has an intellectual disability, and there have been two reports provided by a neuropsychiatrist.

“We’ve made arrangements for another report to be prepared, and are seeking a further six weeks.”

Stella Whitelaw leaves the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: Sean Fewster

Stella Whitelaw is accused of forcing an intellectually-disabled woman into sexual servitude. Picture: Sean Fewster

In court documents, SA Police allege Ms Whitelaw, 52, of Edwardstown, inflicted sexual servitude upon a woman – whose identity is automatically suppressed under SA law.

They allege that, between January 2021 and February 2024 at Edwardstown, she “compelled” the woman “to perform or continue to perform commercial sexual acts”.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ jail.

On Wednesday, counsel for Ms Whitelaw did not oppose the adjournment.

Judge Hribal remanded her on continuing bail to face court again in April.

Outside court, Ms Whitelaw tried to block media with her umbrella and flailed it at a photographer.

“What’s your problem? Why are you taking pictures for (sic)?” she asked.