PUBLICIST Sara Huegill will attempt to have her alleged shoplifting case heard under the Mental Health Act, her lawyer told a Byron Bay court today.

Mrs Huegill, the wife of former Olympic swimmer Geoff Huegill, allegedly stole a pair of expensive leather pants from a boutique clothing store on Mother’s Day.

The 34-year-old is accused of stealing a pair of Bassike leather pants worth almost $2000 from the coastal Island Luxe store.

She was arrested on May 13 by mounted police in Byron Bay and issued a field court attendance notice for the alleged offence.

The Bassike “leather cropped high rise pants”, retail for $1895. Police said the alleged stolen pants had since been returned.

Today her lawyer Paul Hunt asked the Byron Bay Local Court if he could adjourn his client’s matter so that they could prepare for a “section 32” inquiry, The Daily Telegraphreported.

Section 32 refers to Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act 1990, which is sometimes used in cases where charges are dismissed due to mental illness.

The matter has been adjourned to August 10.

At the time of the alleged offence, Mrs Huegill released a statement to the media.

“Sara deeply regrets the incident and apologises unreservedly,” the statement said.

“Sara has made good progress recently in being treated for issues related to anxiety and depression and acknowledges this is a setback. She has asked for privacy and understanding for her family at this time.”

This isn’t Mrs Huegill’s first run in with the law.

She and her husband were given a six-month good behaviour bond for cocaine possession at the Randwick races in 2014.