Redland Bay Olympian Chantelle Newbery, 44, to stay behind bars until next court appearance

An Olympian facing numerous stealing charges has been described as “cannon fodder” for the media by legal counsel as she undergoes a mental health test.

A former Olympian mired in protracted court matters for allegedly stealing groceries has had her bail denied following a fresh theft charge.

Redland Bay woman and 2004 diving gold medallist Chantelle Newbery, 44, did not appear in the dock at Cleveland Magistrates Court on Thursday to face a single charge of stealing.

Police prosecutors urged Newbery be subjected to a mental health assessment given her alleged continuing offending.

Olympic gold medallist Chantelle Newbery at Cleveland Magistrates Court last year. Picture: Marcel Baum

“We have concerns for her mental health,” a police prosecutor said.

“It (her alleged offending) is ongoing; we feel she is absolutely going backwards.”

The court heard Newbery is next scheduled to appear at the court on October 27 for a possible guilty plea on a number of other charges dating to November last year.

They included a single charge of stealing and a charge for failing to appear at court.

Defence solicitor Robert Burns said his client had become “cannon fodder” for the media but acknowledged there was public interest in her, given her sporting achievements.

“I note that every time Ms Newbery comes to court it is well publicised in the media,” Mr Burns said.

“Every time that occurs it has an effect on her children … it is like cannon fodder for them (the media).”

Defence solicitor Robert Burns said his client had become “cannon fodder” for the media. Pic Annette Dew

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said should a request be made to close the court it could be heard nearer to Newbery’s next appearance and acknowledged that there were issues of public interest to consider.

In response to Mr Burns’ instruction that he apply for bail, Ms Vasta agreed that a mental health assessment be conducted and denied the application.

The court heard Newbery would be remanded in custody until her next appearance.

Originally published as Redland Bay Olympian Chantelle Newbery, 44, to stay behind bars until next court appearance