A Tasmanian woman has received a suspended jail sentence after throwing a water bottle that seriously injured her partner during an argument.
Jessica Rae Williams, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of assault over the March 2023 incident in which she threw a full stainless steel bottle that hit her partner in the face, leaving a cut under the eye and a displaced nasal bone.
Justice Michael Brett described the act as “a petulant and dangerous display of anger”, calling it a “very dangerous” assault that amounted to family violence and a breach of trust in the couple’s four-year relationship.
“You and your partner should have been able to argue without your resort to violence,” he said.
The victim needed surgery for her injuries and was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
She also lost her job, as the assault happened inside an apartment provided by her employer.
While Justice Brett said a jail sentence was appropriate, he ultimately imposed a four-month term, wholly suspended for two years.
Williams must also complete 84 hours of community service and stay offence-free during that period.
The court heard Williams had no prior convictions, is currently unemployed with full-time care of her 10-year-old daughter and suffers from a stress-induced neurological disorder causing seizures.
Justice Brett noted Williams did not intend to hit her partner but was “subjectively reckless” in her actions.
Her intoxication at the time was considered an aggravating factor, as was the presence of her daughter in the home, though the child did not witness the assault.
“I accept that you are remorseful,” Justice Brett said, noting her early guilty plea spared the victim from having to give evidence in court.
