Probation order for woman who spat at victim in an "unpleasant" assault

Tuesday 30 April 2024

A woman who spat in the face of a mother who was walking her child to school has been given a nine-month probation order.

Carla Patricia Nascimento Andrade encountered the other woman on the morning of 23 January and deliberately obstructed her, the Magistrate’s Court heard.

Advocate Lauren Taylor, prosecuting, said the two women knew each other and had had a dispute about money owed.

She added: “The complainant tried to walk round her but the defendant moved and blocked her path. 

“The defendant then spat in her face.”

The court also heard that Andrade had previous convictions for assault in 2016 and grave and criminal assault from 2009. 

She admitted the new charge of assault.

Advocate James Bell, defending, pointed out that the last conviction was from eight years ago.

He said that the assault was not serious enough to merit a community service order, and that Andrade worked six days a week in any case, so would find it difficult to complete one.

Assistant Magistrate Adam Clarke agreed to his suggestion of a probation order. 

He told Andrade: “The assault was unpleasant, if not physically violent. 

“This probation order is an opportunity for you to help yourself.”

He also imposed a restraining order banning Andrade from any contact with the woman for two years.