A 45-year-old Bunbury woman was handed a six-month community based order following an incident in Carey Park from last year.
She attended Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 7, admitting to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and one of trespassing without lawful excuse.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Karl Rep told the court she entered a unit on Woodrow Street, at 12.30pm, on Monday, October 22.
She opened the front door, walked inside, and found the occupant of the unit in the kitchen.
During a tussle, the 45-year-old grabbed the victim by the throat and began yelling.
The victim then slipped and fell on the floor, before the 45-year-old left the premises.
Defence counsel Ntuthuko Mcingolwane said his client had pleaded guilty at an early opportunity.
The court heard the 45-year-old had shared a personal secret with the victim.
After finding out the secret, the victim’s brother then verbally abused the 45-year-old.
Mr Mcingolwane revealed the 45-year-old was living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and anxiety.
He said she developed “significant psychological trauma” after living on the streets as a child.
Mr Mcingolwane revealed his client had obtained a gas fitting permit to gain employment in the future.
The defence said the woman’s behaviour was “out of character”.
“She is unlikely to commit such an offence again,” Mr Mcingolwane said.
The 45-year-old’s references described her as a “community minded person who provides assistance to others”.
Magistrate David MacLean accepted her early guilty pleas and personal circumstances.
“It’s unfortunate that the matter ended up the way it did,” he said.
Mr MacLean acknowledged that she had “made an effort to remove herself from criminality” after the incident.
The 45-year-old must follow the requirements of the program, and officers’ instructions, at all times.
Read more:
