Aug 10 - Woman Given Suspended Sentence For Wounding
A 24-year-old woman who was found guilty of wounding her former lover was given a 10-month sentence suspended for 18 months at the Supreme Court today.
Kayleigh Podesta was found guilty of one count of wounding by a jury at a trial held last month, and not guilty of one count of wounding with intent.
Leigh Debono, who appeared for the defendant, said she was acting out of self-defence after the victim refused to leave her home in the early hours of the morning while her two children were sleeping.
The court heard Podesta had invited the victim to her house and started drinking and listening to music together until she asked him to leave and he refused. Podesta picked up a kitchen knife and stabbed him resulting in a laceration to his left arm which required nine stitches.
Mr Debono said his client no longer has any contact with her former lover, and has moved on with her life since the incident took place.
While sentencing, Puisne Judge Karen Ramagge Prescott said this was a case where there was a historical level of provocation that made the defendant fearful of the victim’s actions, adding that she believed the defendant had acted out of self-defence, albeit with excessive force.
Podesta was sentenced to 10 months, suspended for 18 months.
Ishbel Armstrong appeared for the Crown.
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