A heroin addict who slashed a New Zealand woman across the face with a 'Stanley' knife while trying to snatch her handbag has been remanded in custody for sentence.
Deborah Wilson (25) from Cremona Road, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault with intent to robMs Kelly Reid on August 27th, 2000.
MsReid (23) was in Ireland on a 12-month work visa and had been here only for five to six weeks when she was attacked. She returned to New Zealand two days later because of the attack and has vowed never to return.
Garda David Ennis said Ms Reid was still undergoing plastic surgery in New Zealandbecause of the three- to four-inch gash she received below her left ear.
Judge Elizabeth Dunne adjourned the sentence until July 26th so that a victim impact report could be prepared on Ms Reid, as well as a psychiatric report on Wilson.
Garda Ennis told prosecuting counsel, Ms Orla Crowe BL, that Ms Wilson lunged at the victim and attempted to grab her handbag on St Michael's Hill in the Christchurch area.
Passers-by came to the assistance of Ms Reid and apprehended Ms Wilson until gardaí arrived.
Garda Ennis said Wilson told gardaí she intended to cut the bag away from Ms Reid with the knife and the injuries suffered were accidental.