Sydney socialite Vanessa Jacobs Fennell to fight charges after allegedly refusing breath test, crashing luxe car and assaulting police officer

A socialite accused of refusing a breath test, crashing her luxe car into a Tesla and assaulting a police officer is set to apply for mental health consideration.

A Sydney socialite who allegedly refused a breath test and assaulted a police officer after she crashed her Range Rover into a parked Tesla is set to fight the charges and apply for mental health consideration in court.

Vanessa Jacobs Fennell, 54, allegedly refused a breath test and then crashed her luxe Range Rover into a parked Tesla before assaulting a police officer in Bellevue Hill in Sydney’s east on March 21.

Sydney socialite Vanessa Jacobs Fennell allegedly drank alcohol before crashing her Range Rover into a Tesla in Bellevue Hill. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

She was charged with refusing to submit to breath analysis, assault police officer in the execution of duty and not give particulars to owner of damaged property.

Court documents seen by NewsWire state Ms Fennell allegedly failed to give her required particulars “within the required time” to the driver of the other car.

She was released on bail to front Waverley Court on Tuesday.

Ms Fennell, who was previously short-listed to appear on the second season of controversial reality show Real Housewives of Sydney in 2023, arrived at Waverley Court on Tuesday sporting a black suit and pair of sunglasses alongside her lawyer.

Ms Fennell arrives at Waverley Court on Tuesday morning. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Her lawyer (right) entered not guilty pleas on her client’s behalf. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Her lawyer told the call-over court that she was instructed to plead not guilty on Ms Fennell’s behalf and to also apply for a Section 14.

A Section 14 is generally given to those with mental health conditions or a cognitive disability.

Ms Fennell was previously short-listed to appear on the second season of controversial reality show Real Housewives of Sydney. Picture: Facebook.

If successful, defendants may have a support or treatment plan developed to follow, and magistrates can make orders, including to dismiss charges.

Neither Ms Fennell or her lawyer spoke outside court, walking calmly despite the cameras.

The matter was adjourned until May 20.

Originally published as Sydney socialite Vanessa Jacobs Fennell to fight charges after allegedly refusing breath test, crashing luxe car and assaulting police officer