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Mother-daughter duo Samantha and Kristie-Lee Zernike co-accused of Ipswich assault

A warrant was issued for this mother and daughter duo’s arrest after they failed to attend court for their co-accused assault case.

Samantha Dawn Zernike, 48 (right), with her daughter Kristie-Lee Zernike, 30, outside Ipswich Magistrates' Court on May 16, 2023.
Samantha Dawn Zernike, 48 (right), with her daughter Kristie-Lee Zernike, 30, outside Ipswich Magistrates' Court on May 16, 2023.

A mother and daughter have fronted court side-by-side as co-accused in an Ipswich assault case, after a warrant was issued for both their arrests.

Kristie-Lee Zernike, 30, and her mother Samantha Dawn Zernike, 48, both fronted Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on May 16, 2023.

They both stand charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm, which is alleged to have occurred in Brassall on May 24, 2022.

The duo was represented in court by defence lawyer Yassar Khan, who explained that a warrant had been issued on the Zernikes last court date after they failed to appear.

Mr Khan said his firm had requested their appearance on that date to address funding issues.

However, he said those issues have since been resolved.

Samantha Dawn Zernike, 48, of Labrador outside Ipswich Magistrates' Court on May 16, 2023.
Samantha Dawn Zernike, 48, of Labrador outside Ipswich Magistrates' Court on May 16, 2023.

Mr Khan explained that his clients had failed to appear because Samantha Zernike’s mother (and Kristie-Lee’s grandmother) had been experiencing health difficulties at the time and they had been busy caring for her.

Mr Khan said he intended to make submissions to the prosecution today (May 16) with hopes of resolving the matter privately.

Magistrate Gary Finger adjourned the matter for further mention on June 6.

He cancelled the warrants for the Zernikes’ arrest, and they were allowed to leave freely on bail.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/ipswich/police-courts/motherdaughter-duo-samantha-and-kristielee-zernike-coaccused-of-ipswich-assault/news-story/b44f2fa9e73e93e25a89396a0691dd6d