Magistrate refuses to accept woman's guilty plea

A magistrate has sensationally rejected a guilty plea from a woman on 11 counts of fraud and one count of stealing. 

CONCERN for her mother and a child has forced a woman to plead guilty for offences she did not commit.

Gatton Magistrate Roger Stark warned Jessica Nugent, 37, not to plead guilty, however she did not heed his warnings and stormed out of court.

"I'm going home now then, bye," Nugent said as she left the courthouse.

Representing herself in the Gatton Magistrates Court, Nugent was adamant she was going to plead guilty -despite Magistrate Roger Stark saying it was not in her best interest to do so.

Nugent, 37, told the court she would plead guilty to 11 charges of fraud and one of stealing. She had just been advised by the magistrate not to plead guilty for a a number of charges to her name.

"It's about my mum, she's not well, she has dementia, that's why I'm accepting it ... It's not the first time she has done it to the family," Nugent said.

"It's all right, it's all good, I don't need to see anybody - I want to plead guilty."

essica Nugent walked out of the Gatton Magistrates Court after she was told she could not plead guilty to 12 charges without first seeking legal advice. Picture: Rob Williams

Mr Stark told Nugent she needed to consult a lawyer or seek legal advice before pleading guilty to the 12 charges.

"I think it might be beneficial for you to see the duty lawyer," Mr Stark said.

"Do you want an adjournment to seek legal advice? Do you want the duty lawyer to represent you?"

He told Nugent he was concerned she was rushing into the plea without properly considering the situation.

"I've had nearly a month to consider it, I'm fine, thank you, I don't need to speak to anybody - I don't want an adjournment, your honour," Nugent said.

"I plead guilty. Simple. I've got my kids at home and I want to go home... I want it dealt with right now; I'm not fighting it; I want to plead guilty and leave."

Mr Stark was not convinced and told Nugent she would have to pick between her two options.

"Okay, alright, I'm going home then, bye," she said, walking out of the courtroom.

Mr Stark told the court to send Nugent information about a new date for her matter to be heard.

Originally published as Magistrate refuses to accept woman's guilty plea