The man who sexually abused former Australian of the Year Grace Tame as a child has had a court case into allegations he harassed her online delayed because of medical issues.
Nicolaas Ockter Bester, 70, is accused of making public posts on social media platform Twitter in relation to and directed at Tame between April and August last year.
Bester on Thursday appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court, where a type of preliminary hearing was expected to occur.
His lawyer Todd Kovacic told the court Bester had in recent weeks suffered a medical episode and was unable to give proper instructions.
“(Bester’s) fitness is now an issue,” Kovavic said.
The lawyer did not provide any details to the court about the medical issue. The matter was adjourned until June 22.
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Bester, who did not speak to media outside court, was charged by police in October.
Tame was present in the courtroom alongside her partner Max Heerey and other supporters.
Former teacher Bester was convicted in 2011 and sentenced to two years and 10 months jail for abusing Tame when she was a student at his school, as well as for possessing child exploitation material.
Tame was the 2021 Australian of the Year and has advocated for survivors of abuse.
She was instrumental in a campaign that resulted in 2020 law changes in her home state of Tasmania allowing survivors to publicly tell their stories.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
