Chef Steen Gundesen walks free after assaulting a pregnant woman

A 43-year-old chef embraced family and friends in tears after walking free from Court after pleading guilty to assaulting pregnant woman.

Steen Gundesen, 43, walked free from court this morning after assaulting a woman who was 24 weeks pregnant at the time.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault and one count of assault occasioning bodily harm in Ipswich District Court.

The offences occurred on August 18, 2020, after a verbal argument over mobile phones escalated to violence in the woman’s home.

The court heard that the woman attempted to leave her house, but couldn’t find her keys.

Gundesen wrestled with the woman over her phone, with intent to delete photos on the device, and pushed her over.

Seeking to de-escalate the situation, the woman picked up Gundesen’s phone and attempted to exchange devices.

Gundesen moved towards her and she retreated outside to a trampoline.

The court heard Gundesen followed, took his phone from her and pushed the woman into the trampoline with enough force for it to collapse.

The woman was in tears as Gundesen used his hands to squeeze her throat.

He then returned inside and attempted to delete the photos from the woman’s phone, before throwing it into a neighbour’s garden.

A neighbour alerted the police, who attended the scene around 5pm.

Gundesen claimed at the time that he had not harmed the woman, but police observed bruises around her neck.

Chef Steen Gundesen, who faced three assault charges in Ipswich court on May 4 2022.

He has been on bail since the offences, and reconciled with the woman in that time.

Gundesen’s defence lawyer Mr Neeves said that Gundesen’s lifelong struggle with drug addiction contributed to his behaviour.

Gundesen tested clean for six drug tests during the second half of 2021, and has sought out counselling from a clinical psychologist.

His mother, close friends, and the woman involved in the incident all voiced their support and observations of Gundesen’s reformed behaviour.

“There are a number of reasons to think that he can continue to function,” said his defence lawyer Mr Neeves.

However, Gundesen has a history of previous offences dating back since 1999.

Notably, the offences heard in court today were committed just months following the conclusion of a 12 month head sentence Gundesen received for two previous assault charges, one occasioning bodily harm, against a different victim.

“You’re asking the community, through me, to impose a merciful verdict to someone who was 41 at the time of the repeat offence – to believe he has turned the corner,” said Judge Porter.

Judge Porter briefly adjourned the court to consider the matter carefully, noting the seriousness of the assault.

“You’re allowed to be angry … you’re just not allowed to resort to violence. You’ve got to talk about things, especially not with a child … in the womb,” he said.

Judge Porter ultimately decided on a “merciful verdict,” taking into account the statements provided by the victim and Gundesen’s friends and family, combined with his clean drug tests and commitment to counselling.

Gundesen received a head sentence of 18 months imprisonment with immediate parole, and embraced his friends and family in tears.

Originally published as Chef Steen Gundesen walks free after assaulting a pregnant woman