Woman charged with falsely listing dead Sea World pilot on traffic fine flees court in disguise

The woman, who fronted court accused of a despicable act, went to extreme lengths to hide her identity.

A woman accused of using the personal details of a pilot killed in the horror Sea World helicopter crash to get out of paying a traffic fine has fled court in a disguise.

Stephanie Louise Bennett appeared in person for the first time after she was charged with falsely nominating Ash Jenkinson as the driver of her car when she received an infringement notice in late 2022.

Stephanie Louise Bennett (pictured in a mask and scarf) is charged with two counts of fraud after allegedly nominating dead Sea World pilot Ash Jenkinson on a traffic infringement she received in December. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Richard Gosling

After her adjournment, she exited Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Thursday wearing a mask and headscarf, accompanied by a lawyer.

Bennett, who is facing two charges of fraud, did not comment as she was surrounded by reporters and cameraman.

Mr Jenkinson (pictured) was Sea World’s chief helicopter pilot who died in a horrific midair collision with another chopper earlier this year. Picture: Supplied

Police allege Bennett, from Park Ridge, was issued a fine for using her mobile phone while driving last December.

It is alleged she used Mr Jenkinson’s personal details from an obituary to nominate him as the driver of her car.

Mr Jenkinson, Sea World’s chief helicopter pilot, was one of four people killed in a horrific helicopter crash on the Gold Coast on January 2.

Bennett’s act resulted in Mr Jenkinson’s widow receiving a fine in the mail shortly after laying her husband to rest.

On Thursday a lawyer acting on Bennett’s behalf requested a date for a short plea of guilty next week.

Magistrate Terry Duroux set down a sentencing date of April 26.

Bennett hurriedly left court in sunglasses, a mask and scarf after her sentencing was adjourned for a week. She did not speak to media outside. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Richard Gosling

A warrant that was lying on Bennett’s file from her first mention date was withdrawn and cancelled.

It marked her first appearance on the charges after a magistrate rejected her attempt to plead guilty in writing two weeks ago.

Mr Jenkinson was piloting one of the helicopters when it collided with another mid-air on January 2.

He died alongside British newlyweds Ron and Diane Hughes and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros when the chopper crashed into a sandbar.

Several others – including Ms Tadros’ son Nicholas and Victorian woman Winnie De Silva – were critically injured.

Bennett didn’t respond to reporters and TV as she left court on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Richard Gosling

Bennett was issued a fine for using her mobile phone while driving in December last year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Richard Gosling