Woman guilty of assaulting ‘elderly’ cat owner

A NORTH Queensland woman has been sentenced to prison after refusing to give her friend’s cat back, and threatening to take it home with her.

Lillian Ruth Thaiday pleaded guilty to the unlawful assault of a person 60 years and over at the Ayr Magistrate’s Court.

Police Prosecutor Sophie Roseby said the offence occurred on August 28 in Cameron St, when the victim went to visit particular people and collect her pet.

The victim then engaged in a verbal argument regarding the volume of the defendant’s phone conversation.

“The defendant had told the victim to shut up as she was disrupting a child who was watching cartoons. The victim then told the defendant to shut the f--k up,” Mr Roseby said.

“Following this, she asked the defendant where the cat was so she could return home.

“The victim told the defendant she was taking the cat home. The defendant told the victim ‘ you are not taking the cat’.

“The victim has moved forward toward the kitchen area of the house, where the cat’s cage is located.

“The defendant has used one hand to push the victim’s right cheek with significant force. The victim then lost grip of her mobility walker, falling backwards and hit her head on the ground.”

Magistrate Ross Mack sentenced Thaiday to six months’ jail with parole set for the one third mark.

“Elderly people, especially those on walking frames, need protection from the law,” Mr Mack said.

Convictions were recorded.