Gaye Louise Kelly convicted for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and drug driving

A drunk Lismore mum sent texts forewarning she would bash another woman over $250 she claims she was owed. Here’s what happened in court.

A Lismore mother of two has been convicted and sentenced for drug driving and bashing a former friend all for $250.

A Lismore mother-of-two who repeatedly punched another woman in the face and head before picking her up and throwing her on the floor to continue punching her on the ground said she was seeking $250 she claimed she was owed.

Gaye Louise Kelly, 52 appeared before Magistrate Michael Dakin in Lismore Local Court on Wednesday.

Kelly pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and drive vehicle with illicit drug present in blood (second offence).

The court heard Kelly sent text messages to the complainant, a former friend, asking for money she claims was owed to her.

Kelly texted: “ … you paid everyone else u a f — kin gronk you better have my money. I’m not leaving without it”.

Text messages were exchanged before Kelly assaulted her former friend in South Lismore.

The victim, who was living in a caravan with her boyfriend outside their South Lismore home which was being renovated, was using a room downstairs as a home office and texted Kelly: “F-k you”.

Kelly replied: “See ya later c — t, you’re f — ked”.

Gaye Louise Kelly, of Lismore, convicted and sentenced for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and drive with illicit drug in blood after bashing a former friend in a feud over $250.

The court heard on January 20 last year Kelly attended the complainant’s house yelling: “Where the f — k are you c — t.”

Afraid, she hid from Kelly who came around looking for her.

When she went looking for her boyfriend she was confronted by Kelly and another in her office.

The court heard Kelly advanced on the woman saying “you owe me money” and swung a left fist before hitting with her right fist and throwing the woman on the ground, pinning her between the wall and desk before another punch attack.

Lismore Courthouse. Picture: Supplied

The complainant’s boyfriend pulled the women apart allowing his girlfriend to escape before he reported the assault to police.

Mr Dakin said Kelly had a clear intention to engage in violence.

Defence counsel Margaret Malak said Kelly has faced substance abuse issues for years, exacerbated by personal tragedies including the loss of her parents and strained family relationships, which led to a decline in her mental health.

The court heard Kelly was intoxicated at the time of offending but has since taken active steps towards rehabilitation.

Ms Malak said Kelly had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, alcohol dependency, anxiety, and physical health problems, but has engaged with community support and treatment programs.

“She completed a 7-day detox at Riverland Superclinic and is committed to ongoing rehabilitation,” she said.

Kelly is involved with St Vincent de Paul Queensland and participates in the House of Hope program.

Ms Malak said her family plans to relocate from Lismore to Queensland and continue treatment there.

She said Kelly was introduced to drugs and alcohol earlier in her life but is now focused on recovery, taking antidepressants, and caring for her family.

Kelly was busted twice for driving with an illicit drug in her blood, a court heard.

But the Magistrate said Kelly clearly went to the home of the complainant and resorted to violence for money she was owed.

“I don’t have time for people who abuse methylamphetamine and behave in this way,” he said.

He said her record was not blemish free.

“Assault obstruct police in 2013 – that goes to much of the material tended where there is a longstanding addiction to illicit drugs and alcohol.

He said her drug issues were not resolved as she was caught with methylamphetamine in her blood while driving in December.

Mr Dakin convicted Kelly and sentenced her to a two-year Community Correction Order.

She was also fined $1,000.

Kelly was also disqualified from holding a drivers/riders licence for the duration of the CCO.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]

Originally published as Gaye Louise Kelly convicted for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and drug driving