Emmaleen Vendrasco granted bail on contravene AVO charges
A former model has fronted court after breaching an AVO. Her ex told police he left the western Sydney pub because he “knew she would make a scene”.
Penrith
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A former model who harassed her ex-partner by driving up and down his street after confronting him at his sister’s house has been given a second chance at freedom.
Emmaleen Laura Vendrasco, 27, of Penrith, faced Magistrate Daniel Reiss at Penrith Local Court on Thursday, and pleaded guilty to two charges of knowingly contravening an AVO.
According to court documents, Vendrasco’s first breach occurred on August 11 last year when police responded to a triple-0 call for a domestic violence incident in Jamisontown.
When police arrived, Vendrasco’s statement included reference to a man who was protected under an AVO.
When questioned, Vendrasco admitted she had been living with the man for “almost three weeks” and was fully aware of the conditions of her AVO.
Then on November 28, Vendrasco and the man were both at the Top Pub on High St, Penrith, when he decided to leave as he “knew she would make a scene”, according to court documents.
He then walked to his sister’s house on Castlereagh St, where he was living at the time.
Vendrasco then arrived at the house and yelled at the man, demanding to know who he was talking to on his phone.
His sister closed the door, and later called police when she witnessed Vendrasco driving up and down Castlereagh St.
When she was arrested on December 2, Vendrasco denied she had attended the address or had an argument with the man.
She claimed his sister had invited her to drink at the pub, and later to drink at her home.
She told police she realised this would be a bad idea, and walked back to an address in Kingswood before falling asleep in her car.
Vendrasco’s lawyer said his client needed help that couldn’t be provided in custody.
“She needs help, and we have a clinical psychologist who is happy to take her under his wing,” he said.
“The treatment recommendations are to have her attend a psychologist as suggested, formulate a mental-health care plan, and get her pointed in the right direction.
“She can’t do that while she’s inside.”
Magistrate Reiss said he was satisfied there were conditions that could mitigate any prosecution concerns and granted bail.
Vendrasco must reside at a Kingswood address, must not consume any drugs or alcohol unless prescribed by a doctor, and comply with the standing AVO.
She will next appear in court on June 5.