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July 19, 2016: A woman who brutally kicked a teenager in the head to steal her purse has been sentenced to 14 months imprisonment.
Kimberley Louise Reale, 21, fronted Bunbury District Court on July 18 after spending 92 days in custody where she pleaded guilty to one charge of robbery.
An enraged Reale yelled out “dog” as she exited the courtroom and proceeded to bash the walls of her holding cell after her sentence was handed down.
State prosecutor Mark Hunter told the court on the night of Thursday, March 31, the defendant attacked 18-year-old Caroline Reimers from behind, outside The Commercial Club on Wittenoom Street.
Mr Hunter said Reale yanked her victim to the ground by her hair and kicked her in the back of her head before demanding her purse.
After the purse was handed over, the defendant dealt two more kicks to the victim before scampering off.
The purse contained $180 and personal cards.
Police later intercepted Reale in the Bunbury CBD where she was found to be in possession of the purse, albeit $130 short and was later charged.
Mr Hunter told the court Reale’s continued kicking of the victim after the purse was handed over was concerning and the significant violence displayed called for immediate imprisonment.
Reale’s defence lawyer Natasha Earlinson asked Judge Michael Bowden to consider a term of suspended imprisonment as her client was young, had made an early plea of guilty, was remorseful and had anger management issues.
Judge Bowden said a significant sentence had to be imposed to act as a deterrent and to reflect the seriousness of the incident.
“Sentencing is not just about you,” Judge Bowden said to Reale.
“Your behavior was inappropriate and unjustified.
“People are entitled to walk the street and feel safe.”
Judge Bowden also ordered Reale to pay $130 in restitution.
