Grieving mum in court on assault and restraining order charges

THE mother of a young man who died at Huonville last year has denied punching the mother of his former girlfriend during an emotional court clash between families.

Tensions have been high between the two families since the death of Jari Wise, 26, in February last year.

Mr Wise died after he was struck by a car while walking along Wilmot Road at Huonville.

His former partner, 35year-old Melissa Oates, has not been charged with causing Mr Wise’s death.

However she faces dozens of other charges related to the incident, including a charge of dangerous driving that she may stand trial over this year in the Supreme Court.

On Thursday, Mr Wise’s mother Faith Tkalac faced the Hobart Magistrates Court after pleading not guilty to one count of common assault against Ms Oates’ mother, Gail, and one count of breaching a restraint order.

It was alleged Ms Tkalac punched Gail Oates once in the right chest and shoulder area on July 27 last year in the entrance of the court.

Ms Tkalac denies that she assaulted Ms Oates, and that if force was indeed applied, it was not done so with intent.

Prosecutor Suzanne White told Magistrate Robert Webster Ms Tkalac had been turned away from the court hearing because of COVID-19 number restrictions. She said that she then allegedly verbally and physically abused Ms Oates at the security entrance of the Magistrates Court.

Ms Oates, giving evidence from the witness box, said she had taken out a restraining order against Ms Tkalac at the time.

“She told me I was nothing but a big fat s--t and that my day was coming,” Ms Oates said.

“That’s when she lunged and punched me in the chest.”

But defence lawyer Fabiano Cangelosi argued that no contact between the women could be seen on CCTV footage from the day.

The hearing was adjourned to April 28.