Krystal Lee Begg sentenced over hammer attack of Sara-Jane Christensen at Ourimbah

An ice addict was “motivated by jealousy” when she bludgeoned her friend with a hammer so hard that parts of her brain were spilt out on the floor, leaving the victim permanently in a wheelchair.

Krystal Begg (inset right) has been sentenced for intent to murder Sara-Jane Christensen (left) at her Ourimbah public housing unit on July 3, 2023.

An ice addict who engaged in a ferocious act of violence “motivated by jealousy” bludgeoned her friend with a hammer so hard that parts of her brain were spilt out on the floor.

Krystal Lee Begg, 31, was sentenced to 13 years and six months jail in Gosford District Court on Thursday on charges including causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder.

Begg horrifically attacked Sara-Jane Christensen with a hammer at an apartment complex in Ourimbah sometime between July 2 and July 3, 2023.

Begg knew Ms Christensen and the pair had even lived together for a brief period.

On the morning of July 3, 2023, Ms Christensen’s partner woke to the sight of her unconscious and suffering severe injuries, including an open head wound where “her brain was on show”.

Krystal Lee Begg, 30, of Ourimbah, has been charged with the attempted murder of Sara-Jane Christiensen at Ourimbah on July 3. Picture: Facebook

Police arrived soon after and observed a large pool of blood on the floor next to a lounge, blood soaked blankets and blood sprayed on the wall.

Ms Christensen was flown to John Hunter Hospital and admitted with a traumatic brain injury and skull fracture.

Sara-Jane Christensen was found with critical head injuries inside her Walmsley Rd townhouse at Ourimbah on July 3, 2023. She has been left paralysed with permanent brain damage. Picture: GoFundMe

On July 3, Begg was interviewed by police but made no admissions to any offence.

She told police they had a few arguments over “jealousy bulls--t” and wouldn’t have “the slightest clue” what happened to the victim.

In another interview with police on August 22, 2023, Begg made a bone chilling confession.

She told police that while she was in a relationship with her former partner, Ms Christensen had sex with him which caused her partner to break up with her.

Begg told police she had an argument with Ms Christensen but it didn’t affect their relationship.

Krystal Lee Begg, of Ourimbah. Picture: Facebook

However, after being pressed by police, Begg made the startling admission.

“Well you’re stupid if you need a reason as to why I did it, which I couldn’t give a f--k what if youse (sic) do or not at the end of the day,” she said.

“I got to have a bit of fun and im spewin (sic) the bitch isn’t f----- dead. And trust me if I get out she’s going to be dead …. I plan on having a hell of a lot of more f------ fun and that’s that.”

In an emotional victim impact statement read out in court, Ms Christensen’s legal guardian and aunt, Joanne Smith, outlined how their lives “changed forever”.

“I picked up Sara’s dad, my brother, where we were confronted with Sara in ICU on life support. She had 74 stitches in her head after having her skull smashed in and her brain mushed,” Ms Smith said.

“My brother and I drove up to the hospital every day wondering if Sara was going to live or die.

“Sara is looking at life in a wheelchair with 24/7 care. She is now no longer able to live independently and is now living in a supported living home.

“If you had seen her before the attack she was full of life raising her boys, living independently, making her decisions, a half cry from where she is today.”

Police at the scene at Ourimbah in 2023. Picture: NewsLocal

The court heard Begg had a number of mental health issues and had a lengthy criminal history.

In sentencing, Judge Alister Abadee said it appeared Begg developed a “brooding resentment” towards the victim which developed over a period of time.

Judge Abadee said the offending was “motivated by jealousy”.

“The attack was unprovoked, inexcusable and carried out against an innocent person,” he said.

Judge Abadee also said the attack was “consistent with a level of planning and premeditation that occurred.”

“This offender has an ingrained history of violent responses to events large or small which trigger emotional responses,” he said.

Judge Abadee said the prospects of rehabilitation for Begg were poor.

“I find that she is highly likely to reoffend and to do so in a violent fashion,” he said.

Judge Abadee sentenced Begg to 13 years and six months jail, however she will be eligible for parole after serving nine years and four months jail and could possibly be released by January 2034.