The first week of court proceedings for 2026 in the Illawarra region has wrapped up, delivering a series of notable and varied cases before Wollongong Local Court. From high-profile sports figures to unusual public incidents, the docket offered a glimpse into the local justice system's post-holiday return.
Former Dragons NRLW Star Pleads Not Guilty to Charges
Maddie Studdon, a former St George Illawarra Dragons NRLW star and past captain of the NSW state team, found herself in bail court on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The appearance followed her arrest on Tuesday night after police investigated allegations of family and domestic violence-related offences.
Studdon, who also serves as an assistant coach for the Illawarra Steelers under-19s, formally entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. The matter is now set to progress through the court system at a later date.
Woman's 'Juvenile' Tussle with Police in Cringila
A 36-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been released from custody after an incident described in court as involving "juvenile" behaviour. The woman appeared via audio-visual link from prison on January 13.
Court documents reveal police were called to a home on McGovern Street in Cringila on November 8 last year following reports of an assault. Officers discovered the woman on the front lawn, which allegedly breached an existing ADVO that prohibited her from being within 50 metres of the alleged victim's nearby residence. Police allege she then ran from officers and had to be physically removed from a property.
Horsley Grandmother's Case Delayed Amid Ozempic Claims
The case against a 60-year-old Horsley woman, accused of a violent roadside attack on her daughter-in-law and grandson, has been postponed. The matter was listed in Wollongong Local Court on January 14 but did not progress towards committal as scheduled.
The woman, who also cannot be legally named, faces two serious charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. She has not yet entered a plea. The defence has previously indicated an intention to argue that adverse side effects from the diabetes and weight-loss medication Ozempic were a factor in the alleged ambush.
Nude Sunbather Escapes Conviction at Fairy Meadow Beach
A Wollongong man who was caught sunbathing naked near a school excursion has avoided a criminal conviction. Elvan Gunes, 62, pleaded guilty to wilful and obscene exposure in Wollongong Local Court on January 13.
Documents state Gunes was lying nude on a towel at Fairy Meadow beach around 1pm on September 8 when a passing jogger spotted him. The court heard Gunes then verbally berated the jogger. In his defence, Gunes told the magistrate he used the beach for "relaxation". The magistrate ultimately decided not to record a conviction against him.
Arsonist Sought 'Faces' in Smoke at Royal National Park
In a separate but equally unusual case, a man who lit fires in the Royal National Park claimed he was trying to photograph patterns in the smoke. Chad Littmann faced court over lighting two potentially catastrophic blazes during sweltering 30-degree heat.
His solicitor, Ashley Bird, told the court her client would often camp in national parks and light small fires. "He takes photographs because the smoke sometimes displays images or faces on a camera; he likes to look at the smoke," Ms Bird explained. Littmann reportedly told authorities he lit the fires to "clear his head".
The week's cases highlight the diverse nature of matters coming before the Illawarra's courts, setting the tone for what is likely to be a busy legal year in the region.
