Gemma Rose Barnes, 25, of Moorooka sentenced to five months’ suspended prison
A young meth abusing mum-of-two who grabbed a woman by the throat before punching her also almost bashed a grandmother, a court has heard.
Logan
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A recidivist thief who tried to fight a grandmother caring for her grandchild after she was busted shoplifting faces months of jail time should she reoffend.
Gemma Rose Barnes, 25, of Moorooka copped a grave warning at her Beenleigh Magistrates Court appearance on Monday.
“You are a serial thief who is now becoming violent,” Magistrate Tracy Mossop said.
Mother-of-two Barnes pleaded guilty to six offences.
They included committing common assault, stealing, public nuisance and being found without lawful excuse in a dwelling.
The court heard that on October 20, 2020 community members at a Marsden shopping centre had to intervene to keep Barnes from attacking a grandmother who had her grandchild with her.
Barnes was spotted by the victim as she stole milk, according to police.
On December 13, 2020, Barnes illegally entered a Waterford West property, grabbed a woman by the throat and punched her in the stomach.
The court was told Barnes had suspected that victim of “dobbing” her into child services.
Police prosecutor Tim Wise said the offending occurred after three previous sentences of probation.
“It seems her behaviour is just continuing and continuing,” Mr Wise said.
Defence solicitor Bettina Webb said her client had a very trying upbringing and had abused meth and cannabis from a young age.
Ms Webb further submitted her client had since initiated a mental health plan and realised she was within range of prison for her offending.
Ms Mossop said if the warning bells weren’t ringing for the defendant before, they certainly ought to be now.
“She is a recidivist offender; she just thinks she can get away with it,” Ms Mossop said.
Barnes was sentenced to five months’ prison to be wholly suspended over 12 months.
She was further sentenced to 15 months’ probation with convictions recorded.
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