Former Macleay Island Blue Parrot cafe worker fronts court for assault

An ex-kitchen manager of a bayside island cafe has faced court after obstructing police and assaulting a mother carrying her child, spraying a can of energy drink on them.

Stephanie Isabella Hollis leaving Cleveland Magistrates Court.

An ex-kitchen manager of a bayside island cafe has faced court after a heated confrontation, obstructing police and assaulting a mother carrying her child, spraying a can of energy drink on them.

Stephanie Isabella Hollis, 28, pleaded guilty in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Friday, March 17, to one count of common assault and one count of obstructing police.

The court heard Hollis was working at the Blue Parrot Cafe on Macleay Island as a kitchen manager on April 19 last year when she had a confrontation with a woman she knew.

“You were upset about things, you were abusing police and telling them they should be investigating what happened and you were not complying with their directions,” Magistrate Deborah Vasta said.

“You’ve come across the victim who you’ve previously had an altercation with, opened your can of drink and sprayed it on her.”

The court heard the victim was carrying a baby in a carrier at the front of her body when they were assaulted.

“The common assault is serious considering the energy drink landed not only on the victim but the child that was strapped to her,” the police prosecutor said.

Hollis’s lawyer, Sarah Pascoe, said her client made a mistake.

“She’s incredibly embarrassed and has since seen the police officer and apologised,” Ms Pascoe said.

“She was working on the island at the Blue Parrot Cafe and she was quite distressed after seeing (the woman).

“It was a back and forth argument between the parties.

“Unfortunately she made the mistake of spraying the drink at (the victim).

“She understands now that she should have walked away.”

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said Hollis needed to stop blaming other people for her actions.

“You’re still so convinced you’ve done nothing wrong,” Ms Vasta said.

“You’re blaming other people for your behaviour.

“That’s an attitude to life that’s potentially going to get (you) in trouble.

“You’re going to find life very difficult.

“If you can just stop thinking you can control other people and control what you can, which is you.”

Hollis was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond with $300 recognisance.

No conviction was recorded.

She was also ordered to pay $300 restitution to the victim.