Dalby District Court: Tara woman Danielle Jane Knudson was found not guilty of biting former roommate, using chainsaw in dispute
A woman who was on trial for assaulting a former roommate with a chainsaw and biting her in the arm has been found not guilty by a Dalby jury after the defence counsel successfully argues she had acted in self defence.
Police & Courts
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A woman has been found not guilty by a Western Downs jury of using a chainsaw to assault her former roommate, as well as bite her on the arm after the defence counsel successfully argued she was acting in self defence.
Danielle Jane Knudson, 45, was found not guilty of one count of common assault and one count of assault occasioning bodily harm, however the Tara woman pleaded guilty to wilful damage.
The jury, which consisted of seven women and five men, deliberated for five hours before returning the verdict on Thursday afternoon.
Defence barrister Jens Streit told the court that Ms Knudson had used self defence by grabbing a chainsaw from her shed after telling her ex-roommate, Stephanie Aurora Taylor to get off her property and suggested she contact police to organise collecting the remainder of her personal belonging on February 12, 2021.
He said after Ms Taylor refused to leave, she and a friend became violent with Ms Knudson by kneeing her in the head twice and wrapping their arms around her neck which led to Ms Knudson biting Ms Taylor.
Over the course of the three-day trial the jury heard from Ms Taylor, her friend who attended the residence with her to collect her things, a witness from the property, a police officer and doctor who examined Ms Taylor’s injury.
Mr Streit when cross-examining the complainant suggested she had gone back to Ms Knudson’s property unwelcome and was trespassing.
“You accused her of having been through your stuff, then (Ms Knudson) said a police officer had been there and had a look,” Mr Streit said to Ms Taylor.
“She then told you to get out and suggested you contact police and return later.
“I suggest she reached for a chainsaw which was close to where she was standing, and that she held it in front of her and told you to get off the property.”
Ms Knudson did not give evidence in the proceedings.
At the start of the trial Ms Knudson pleaded guilty to one count of wilful damage which saw her take a meat cleaver to the windscreen of a car the night of the violent argument with Ms Taylor.
Crown prosecutor Andreas Galloway told the court Ms Knudson had “limited” criminal history which consisted of no convictions and fines.
“Given the context of which (the offence) occurred, it’s a situation that the crown doesn’t advocate for a conviction to be recorded,” Mr Galloway said.
“However it’s still unacceptable to destroy someone’s property.”
Mr Streit said Ms Knudson had accepted responsibility for damage the vehicle and was prepared to pay for the damages involved.
Judge Amanda McDonnell acknowledged the woman had the ability to pay a fine as well as restitution for the windscreen damage.
Ms Knudson pleaded guilty to one count of wilful damage.
She was fined $350, and ordered to pay $333 in compensation to the owner of the damaged vehicle.
No conviction was recorded.
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