Karen Ryan unlikely to use mental health defence after allegedly setting fire to teenage girls hair

A woman who allegedly set fire to a teenage girl’s hair on a bus will likely not claim a mental health defence, a court has heard.

A 50-year-old woman who allegedly lit a teenager’s hair on fire on a public bus has faced court for the second time.

Karen Margaret Ryan was charged with aggravated assault causing harm with a weapon after the alleged random attack in Davoren Park on June 29 last year.

Ms Ryan’s solicitor Brittany Law told Magistrate Derek Sprod that Ryan would not be entering a plea of guilty on Thursday, but flagged that she would be pleading guilty in the future.

Ms Law also said Ms Ryan would not be using a mental health defence, but a psychologist would still assess her.

Karen Margaret Ryan outside the Elizabeth Magistrates Court. Picture Jason Katsaras

During a brief appearance in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Thursday, her lawyer said an investigation into the alleged mental impairment had concluded and found Ms Ryan did not have a mental health defence.

“She does not have a defence or any fitness issues,” Ms Law said.

“I can intimate that Ms Ryan will be entering a guilty plea.”

She asked for the matter to be adjourned for six weeks as she waited for a report regarding her client’s current health management plan from her psychiatrist.

Mr Sprod noted Ms Ryan’s intention to plead guilty and adjourned the case for the desired period.

The schoolgirl, who was left with minor burns to her scalp, told police last year she did not know her alleged attacker, or speak with them in the lead up to the incident.

Police said she would likely suffer emotional trauma.

Ryan left court covered in a scarf and sunglasses leaving quickly in a waiting car.

The matter was adjourned until August at Elizabeth Magistrates Court.