Rockingham: mistaken identity lands woman $1200 fine for assault

AN ASSAULT on a young woman at a local shopping centre over infidelity has turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.

Kellie Jean Trezise pleaded guilty to common assault when she appeared at Rockingham Magistrates Court on October 24.

The prosecutor said she was at Rockingham City Shopping Centre at 1pm on July 2 with another person.

They stood behind the victim while waiting for a Boost Juice.

Trezise then shouted derogatory terms at the woman in front of her.

The woman ignored it before Trezise suddenly struck her to the left side of her face and pulled down on her ponytail.

Police described the victim as a slim 23-year-old woman who did not know Trezise and that it was a case of mistaken identity.

The duty lawyer said Trezise had had a few wines that day.

He said she was going through a rough patch with her then partner who went back to his ex-girlfriend for five days.

Trezise had seen the ex-girlfriend once before and knew vaguely what she looked like.

He said she was remorseful and had written to the victim but had not received a response.

He said she did have a prior conviction for common assault from 2007.

“She accepts what she did was completely stupid,” he said.

The prosecutor said the victim was entitled to feel safe at 1pm in a shopping centre and Trezise appeared to have issues with alcohol and anger management.

Magistrate Adam Hills-Wright agreed.

“It would have been most unpleasant for that lady,” he said.

“Fortunately there were no injuries.

“But that would have presented very little comfort to this young lady. She is entitled to feel safe in public.

“Trezise has sworn at her and called her horrible names in public; she was a victim in the true sense.

“I note you are engaged with anger management counselling.”

He fined Trezise $1200.