Home detention for knife attack

A woman who caused knife wounds to a man and to the 14-month-old baby he was holding at the time has been granted a nine-month home detention term.

The incident which led to Leah Stacey Chandler’s arrest, took place at a St Albans house on June 17, 2013.

Chandler later pleaded guilty to charges of wounding the man with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and injuring the child with reckless disregard for safety.

Chandler, 24, was alleged to have used a hunting knife in the attack which followed an argument.

At the sentencing in the Christchurch District Court yesterday, Judge Jane Farish said Chandler could remember little of the incident because she had been so angry at the time.

The judge imposed home detention at a Nelson address, with special release conditions to apply for six months after her release.

Chandler will have to undergo an assessment for drug and alcohol counselling, treatment, or programmes, complete a Stopping Violence programme, and any other treatment or counselling required by the Probation Service.

She has already received a firststrike warning under the threestrikes legislation that imposes heavier penalties on repeat violent offenders.

She thanked the judge from the dock, when the sentencing was completed.