Stephanie Jade Tesselaar faces Mackay Magistrates Court for latest offending

A Seaforth woman who spiralled into addiction after killing someone while driving dangerously attacked a paramedic in her latest spree of offending.

A Seaforth woman, with a history of drug abuse, violence and causing a fatal crash was having a mental episode when she punched the 63-year-old paramedic trying to help her. Photo: Fergus Gregg

A Seaforth woman who had previously been jailed for causing a fatal crash was having a mental episode when she punched a 63-year-old paramedic trying to help her, a court has heard.

Stephanie Jade Tesselaar, 34, was on parole on March 22, 2023 when emergency services received a call for assistance and reports of self-harm.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard police and a paramedic tried to administer first-aid, but Tesselaar believed they intended to take her to the mental health ward.

Stephanie Jade Tesselaar pleaded guilty to attacking a paramedic when they tried to help her during a mental episode. Photo: Fergus Gregg

She became agitated and punched the paramedic in the mouth, stunning them, and was charged with serious assault of a person over the age of 60 and obstructing police.

Tesselaar, who has a history of drug abuse, was also charged with possession of marijuana, another drug and a pipe on April 6, 2024 and pleaded guilty to all charges.

Stephanie Jade Tesselaar pleaded guilty to attacking a paramedic when they tried to help her during a mental episode. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Legal Aid Queensland solicitor Rosie Varley said her client had a “troubled childhood” and moved to Seaforth at the age of 11, going on to work in the civil construction industry straight out of school.

The court heard Tesselaar became a heavy drug user, using methamphetamine as a form of escapism after she was imprisoned for the dangerous operation of a vehicle leading to the death of 23-year-old Calliope Fay-Van Heusden.

Convicted killer driver Stephanie Jade Tesselaar pleaded guilty to common assault after she attacked a woman at a Seaforth pub over a spilt drink.

She again appeared before the court after she attacked a woman at the Seaforth Bowls Club on February 18, 2023 and was convicted for two counts of common assault.

“It’s clear from the matters before the court today that drug use is something that still plagues her and I’m instructed she is doing what she can to address that drug use,” Ms Varley said.

Ms Varley said Tesselaar had completed some rehabilitation and was “hopeful” she could continue her rehabilitation in Townsville.

Acting magistrate Andrew Walker said when Tesselaar attacked the paramedic her emotions were “heightened”.

“I do believe you attended a police station some days later to apologise for your behaviour … you did demonstrate remorse fairly soon afterwards,” Mr Walker said.

Mr Walker sentenced Tesselaar to nine months imprisonment, suspending the sentence for a period of two years.

He also ordered she be put on probation for 18 months and included the condition she be drug tested by a corrective services officer.

“I don’t want one silly little mistake to bring everything completely undone,” Mr Walker said.

“I think a combination of imprisonment and probation orders is the best way to go.”

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Stephanie Jade Tesselaar faces Mackay Magistrates Court for latest offending