Woman jailed after stabbing, pouring hot oil on abusive husband

A WOMAN who poured hot oil on her abusive husband after he attacked her in the kitchen will spend 11 months behind bars

A woman who poured hot oil on her abusive husband after he attacked her in the kitchen will spend 11 months behind bar

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A WOMAN who poured hot oil on her abusive husband after he attacked her in the kitchen will spend 11 months behind bars.

Josalyn Sandover, 28, pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering serious harm and aggravated assault but was cleared of a more serious charge of intent to disfigure and cause harm.

On the night of the attack in 2018, Sandover was cooking in the kitchen of her home in Utopia while she had guests over who were socialising and telling stories.

Sandover’s husband walked into the kitchen and began arguing with her and hit her twice to the back of the head.

Sandover poured the hot oil from the frying pan into a cup and poured it directly over his head and face, causing him to yell out in pain.

The victim stayed at a family member’s house overnight and returned back to Sandover’s house the next day.

When the pair began to argue again, Sandover grabbed a knife and stabbed his back.

The victim received treatment at a local medical clinic and the doctor observed the burns were healing well over a few days and concluded he would not have any scarring.

Acting justice Dean Mildren said it was fortunate the victim’s wounds healed.

“Pouring a bottle of oil over the victim’s face is certainly likely to cause significant and longstanding harm,” he said.

“Although you clearly intended to cause harm to [the victim], it is not alleged that you intended to cause him serious harm.

“The attack was the product of some consideration by you, but it is clear that it was an emotional response to the fact that [he] had assaulted you a short time before.”

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Sandover was given bail on more than one occasion but she was arrested at the Alice Springs Hospital when she was getting treatment after her husband assaulted her.

“Reports are a positive indication that you are genuine about getting help to put your life on the right track and are quite encouraging,” Mr Mildren said.

Sandover was sentenced to two years and six months in prison suspended after serving 11 months.

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