UPDATE: A woman previously jailed for nearly ending the life of a national triathlete now faces 52 new charges in an alarming repeat of her past offenses. Rebekah Stewart, 33, was arrested after allegedly committing dangerous driving and drug trafficking offenses in August 2025, just two years after her release from prison.
In a shocking twist, Stewart, who served over four years for critically injuring cyclist Christian Ashby in a drug-fueled crash in 2016, is now accused of similar reckless behavior. Reports indicate she hit another vehicle with two passengers inside and fled the scene, prompting immediate concerns for public safety.
Court documents reveal Stewart has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including two counts of dangerous driving, drug trafficking involving a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, and possession of various illegal substances, including cocaine and heroin. Prosecutors uncovered $70,000 in cash, a firearm, and drug paraphernalia at her home in Kew during a police search, indicating she has been living a “drug-trafficking lifestyle.”
The impact of her past is profound. Cyclist Christian Ashby, who was struck while on a morning ride, underwent 10 surgeries and now suffers from chronic pain and disabilities due to the injuries sustained in the crash. Stewart’s reckless actions left him bleeding on the roadside, where she callously fled to conceal her vehicle.
Stewart’s mother, Jennifer Stewart, has expressed her willingness to post $20,000 for her daughter’s bail to allow her to enter a residential rehabilitation facility in Shepparton. “I believe in her, I trust her, I know that she’s going to do it,” she stated in court. However, prosecutors voiced serious concerns about Stewart’s potential risk to community safety, citing her troubling history and previous relapse after her release.
Justice Amanda Fox is expected to deliver her decision on bail tomorrow morning, with a strong prosecution case against Stewart already laid out. The court is weighing her previous criminal history against the possibility of rehabilitation, creating a tense atmosphere as the community watches closely.
As this story develops, it highlights the urgent need for public safety and accountability in cases of repeat offenders. The implications of Stewart’s actions resonate deeply, reminding us of the lasting effects of reckless behavior on victims and their families. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this evolving case.
