S
uzanne Milgate, 58, a former real‑estate broker, will spend Christmas in custody after bail was refused for an alleged assault that occurred during a BMW repossession attempt in Humpty Doo, a rural part of Darwin. The 2023 incident, in which she allegedly struck a worker’s foot with her vehicle, has led to charges of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and operating an unregistered, uninsured car.

    Milgate’s legal team highlighted her mental‑health struggles—post‑traumatic stress and severe anxiety—arguing that imprisonment would exacerbate her condition. She has pledged to adhere to a curfew and weekly police reporting if granted bail. The lawyer also noted her longstanding ties to the Darwin community, having worked as a pearl shop sales manager before becoming a real‑estate agent, and her unemployment since January of last year, which has further strained her wellbeing.

    The case was heard in Darwin Local Court on Monday. Judge Ben O’Loughlin read the prosecution’s narrative: a BMW Finance employee awaited a tow truck to retrieve a BMW parked on a property. Milgate arrived in a Mazda, allegedly entered the vehicle’s driver’s seat, performed a three‑point turn, and collided with garden items. The employee presented a repossession order, but Milgate allegedly ignored the warning, drove away, and struck the worker’s right foot. Prosecutor Jessica Cornish described the incident as reckless and dangerous, noting that the victim’s foot sank into soft, wet ground, potentially worsening the injury had the collision occurred on concrete.

    The judge expressed uncertainty about Milgate’s likelihood of reoffending, leading to the denial of bail. Milgate reacted with a “oh, no” and gestured for her lawyer to approach the dock. She had a brief, hushed discussion with her counsel before correctional officers escorted her from the courtroom. The matter is scheduled to return to Darwin Local Court on January 19.

    Milgate’s past legal troubles include a 2023 case where she allegedly attacked former NT chief minister Natasha Fyles with a crepe, for which she remains charged with aggravated assault and has pleaded not guilty.

    The court’s decision means Milgate will remain in custody until her next hearing, with no bail granted at this time.