Woman attacked her carers

A TOOWOOMBA woman who threatened to kill and attacked her carers who were trying to help her has been handed a jail sentence.

The 24-year-old had mental health problems and when in the community was under 24hour care as part of her NDIS package.

The woman had a history of self harm, and when on March 18 she asked for craft scissors to cut up some paper, her carer was wary but gave her the scissors, Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard.

However, she became aggressive, telling one carer “I’m going to stab you, get out of my house”, the court heard.

She then called to a second carer, telling her to “come here so I can kill you”.

The carers called police to the home where the woman told officers she had acted out due to the mood she was in.

On July 7 she had tried to leave her residential home by taxi only to be stopped by another carer, the court heard.

Becoming aggressive and threatening to kill her carer, she struggled and kicked out, striking her carer in the stomach and thighs, causing immediate pain.

The woman pleaded guilty to making threats with intent to alarm while armed with scissors and to assault occasioning bodily harm.

Her solicitor Alana O’Halloran told the court her client had mental health issues including autism spectrum disorder but had been deemed fit enough for trial and pleaded guilty to the charges.

Ms O’Halloran submitted her client had a significant NDIS package and received treatment and care and that a probation order might not offer any more assistance.

Magistrate Graham Lee said sentencing the woman was a difficult task given her mental health issues but “these matters are very serious”.

Mr Lee sentenced the woman to one month in jail but ordered the term be suspended for six months.