Patho woman fronts court on three charges over death of Ballarat personal trainer Christine Stewart

A woman charged over a crash that killed a Ballarat personal trainer will be allowed to leave the country for a work trip next month.

christine stewart

A woman has faced court over a collision which killed a mother of three earlier this year.

Christine Stewart, 29 and of Newtown near Ballarat, was killed at the intersection of the Murray Valley Highway and Farley Rd at Torrumbarry on January 25.

On Tuesday Patho woman Rebecca Jane Hall, also 29, faced the Echuca Magistrates’ Court on three charges - dangerous driving resulting in death, reckless conduct and careless driving.

During the hearing Hall, who had been on summons, was placed on bail.

She was ordered to surrender her passport however was allowed to delay this until December due to having a pre-booked work trip to New Zealand.

Police allege Hall was driving a Ford Ranger on the highway when she crashed into the back of the Mitsubishi Triton that Ms Stewart was driving about 2pm.

Christine Stewart

Ms Stewart died at the scene.

Her mother Belinda Hackney paid tribute to her daughter at her funeral.

“Christine was the most amazing daughter, mother, and friend and also loved by many people she touched in her very short life,” Ms Hackney said.

“There are no words to tell you just how much that she meant to me.”

Hall will return to court next year.