Young mother warned she risks jail time, losing her child if her violent streak continues

A young mother who punched two people in the head in a drunken pub fight has been warned that further violent behaviour is likely to land her in jail and could cost her custody of her child.

Mother Jodi Renelle Murphy fronted the St George Magistrates Court on June 15 for punching two people in the head multiple times.

A young St George mother who a magistrates says is “on the verge of killing someone” has been warned she faces jail time and losing custody of her baby if she doesn’t change her violent ways.

Jodi Renelle Murphy, 22, found herself before Magistrate Tracy Mossop on June 15 after she punched two people in the head several times at a local pub.

Police prosecutor Heather Whiting told the court at 9.15pm on May 15, St George Police were called to an altercation between a group of patrons.

“While a witness tried to separate people, the defendant has come from the beer garden and struck a bystander in the head,” Sergeant Whiting said.

“She then punched another person in the head, and then gone around a witness and struck the other person in the head multiple times.

“As witnesses continued trying to separate people, the defendant continued to yell.”

Officers attended Murphy’s home four days later and she declined to be formally interviewed.

Murphy was on probation earlier this year and on February 9 was sentenced for breaching the order, for which she was given a further probation period.

“Probation, probation, probation and now we are at the end of the line,” the magistrate said.

“All her previous history involves violence.

“She’s a violent woman.”

Solicitor Michael Corbin said his client didn’t recall the events but accepted the facts.

“She is a mother of a four-month old and has applied for an anger management course,” Mr Corbin said.

Ms Mossop said while people were trying to enjoy themselves at 9pm at a local pub, Murphy was out drinking and hitting people.

“She is on the verge of killing someone if she doesn’t keep her hands to herself,” she said.

“The one punch campaign is obviously not getting through to Ms Murphy.”

Murphy pleaded guilty in St George Magistrates Court to public nuisance within a licenced premises.

Her Honour sentenced Murphy to three months jail but released her on immediate parole.

“The message is loud and clear – enough is enough,” Ms Mossop said.

“I want this to be a turning point for you before you kill someone, you have a young baby to look after for God’s sake.

“If you come before the court in the next few months, you will see yourself getting a parole eligibility date and that’s why there’s Child Safety - so they take care of babies when mothers cannot.”