Rebecca Lee Newham, 35, was sentenced over the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after an “act of extreme violence” in December last year. 

Magistrate Michael O’Brien said it was “a shame that an argument that started early in the night escalated.”

Representative for Newham solicitor Mr Chen submitted there were gaps in Newham’s offending and the mother of five is seeking counselling.

Mr Chen argued that he believes there is the ability for rehabilitation for Newham outside of a prison cell and asked Mr O’Brien to consider a suspended sentence. Mr Chen claimed Newham would be motivated to keep her support system and counselling up with a suspended sentence hanging over her head.

“These are not easy matters to resolve, you are before the court yet again for a serious matter,” Mr O’Brien said to Newham before reminding her she had already received a bond in 2014 for a similar offence.

“This offence ought never to have occurred,” he said. 

Mr O’Brien said Newham went to the victim’s home in the early hours of the morning when they should have felt safe and have been fast asleep.

“I understand and appreciate that there is some background to your offending, but this offence in my opinion is particularly disappointing after previously having dealt with the courts and being offered a chance,” Mr O’Brien said.

Mr O’Brien consented that a report that had been submitted attested to difficulties in Newham’s past, but it also addressed her kind and loving nature towards her family and children.

“People have had to make a conscious decision to be a better person,” Mr O’Brien said.

Mr O’Brien called the incident an act of extreme violence that caused severe injuries with the victim’s loss of consciousness however he was satisfied that an intensive corrections order would be sufficient.