Teen birthday bash: Details revealed of assault by Taleaha Maree Armstrong

A court has heard what went down inside a 19th birthday party that descended into chaos and assault in South Grafton. Read what happened.

A magistrate has warned a young woman who was videoed assaulting another woman at a party in South Grafton, saying her actions could have had “catastrophic consequences”

Taleaha Maree Armstrong, 19, faced Grafton Local Court on March 14, having pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at a birthday party.

The court Armstrong pushed her victim to the ground and kicked her while down.

The Police Fact Sheet reveals Armstrong and her victim are ex-friends and both attended the party at Powell St, South Grafton on November 19 last year. The victim arrived at about 4pm before leaving later and returning around 9.30pm to retrieve her bag. By that time Armstrong had consumed about eight vodka cruisers and the victim had consumed about six.

Taleaha Maree Armstrong assaulted a victim occasioning actual bodily harm and was convicted in Grafton Court on March 14 2022 to serve a 12 month community corrections order.

Armstrong began the assault because the victim had been “talking shit” about her. A male bystander egged Armstrong on yelling “Hit the sl**.” Another bystander filmed the assault on their mobile phone. Armstrong pushed the victim to the ground and then punched her in the face. The victim got up but the assault continued with Armstrong grabbing her hair and attempting to drag and further punch and kick the victim. The victim had bruising to her face and arms and a large lump on her head and forehead.

Armstrong’s lawyer John Kelly admitted the seriousness of the offence, that Armstrong had been drinking and there was an element of peer pressure in relation to her actions. Mr Kelly added that there seemed to be resolution between Armstrong and her victim now. He built his case around her age, admission of guilt, it being her first offence and family support.

The court outcome

Magistrate Kathy Crittenden described the offence as a significant act of violence that would be taken incredibly seriously in the community. She said the facts of the incident were “really alarming reading” and said alcohol was no excuse.

“It’s alarming conduct for a young woman with everything ahead of her,” Ms Crittenden said.

Ms Crittenden warned the assault could have “catastrophic consequences that can never be undone.”

“Plainly I need you to understand that you never engage in this behaviour again.”

She noted the video taken at the party and warned Armstrong of video evidence in these days of social media.

When making her findings Ms Crittenden took into account the plea of guilty, the objective seriousness of the offence, which she described as below the mid range, and of significant violence.

Armstrong was sentenced to a 12-month community correction order.