Teacher who abused Grace Tame to front court over accusations he threatened and harassed her online
A man who abused former Australian of the Year Grace Tame when she was a child is likely to face a two-day court hearing over allegations he harassed her online.
Nicolaas Ockert Bester, who pleaded not guilty in March 2023 to three charges of using a carriage service to threaten, harass or offend, briefly appeared in court on Friday.
Issues surrounding Bester’s medical fitness could form part of the two-day hearing, which is expected to start on August 5 in the Hobart Magistrates Court.
He is alleged to have made public messages on social media relating to and targeting Ms Tame, 29, in April, July and August 2022.
Bester was jailed in 2011 for abusing Grace Tame while she was still at his school.
Bester, who pleaded not guilty in March 2023 to three charges of using a carriage service to threaten, harass or offend, appeared briefly in court on Friday (pictured)
Grace Tame is pictured at the Marie Claire 2024 International Women’s Day lunch
Bester’s attorney Todd Kovacic said his client had a medical examination two weeks ago, but he did not receive the report until Thursday.
Mr Kovacic said he needed time to consider the report and highlighted the possibility that Bester would change his plea.
‘The problem is about fitness. “I need time to think about that,” he said.
Mr Kovacic described the not guilty plea as a “holding plea” and said “things may have changed” in light of the report, which he said should be provided to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Magistrate Andrew McKee continued Bester’s bail and adjourned the case to August 5 and 6, with the hearing expected to last at least a full day.
Bester, a former teacher, was charged by police in October 2022 for alleged online harassment (he is pictured at the Hobart Magistrates Court last April)
The case has been plagued by delays, including previous delays to obtain medical reports.
Bester, a former teacher, was charged by police in October 2022 for alleged online harassment.
He was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison in 2011 for abusing Ms Tame while she was at his school and for possessing child exploitation material.
He served one year and nine months.
Ms Tame was the 2021 Australian of the Year and has advocated for survivors of abuse.
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National Sexual Abuse and Redressal Support Service 1800 211 028