Shotley woman who repeatedly kneed neighbour in unprovoked attack sentenced

Why it matters: The unprovoked assault left the victim requiring surgery and led to a 20-month legal process culminating in multiple court restrictions for the perpetrator.

Callan Brett, 35, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on Monday 10 March where she received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Her sentencing package includes completing 20 rehabilitation days and wearing a GPS monitoring tag for six months.

The details: The attack took place at approximately 14:30 on 19 June 2023 in Queensland, Shotley, when the victim was unloading shopping from her car.

• Court documents show Brett approached the woman screaming, before pushing her head against the victim's head, grabbing her hair, shaking her head, and kneeing her in the groin multiple times.

• Brett unsuccessfully claimed she only kneed the victim once and was acting in self-defence, with the court satisfying itself that Brett was the aggressor.

What's next: The court also imposed a five-year restraining order preventing Brett from contacting the victim.

Once alternative accommodation is found, Brett will be barred from entering the parish of Shotley for the remainder of the restraining order.

For context: Brett was initially found guilty at Ipswich Magistrates' Court on 30 August 2024, but appealed the conviction.

A panel of judges at Ipswich Crown Court dismissed her appeal after a new trial on 21 February, maintaining the original guilty verdict.

In November 2024, Brett was arrested for breaching bail conditions after walking past the victim's home up to 10 times daily, making hand gestures and staring deliberately into the property.

What they're saying: Acting Sergeant Alasdair Nicol said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack which left the victim with a very nasty injury."

"I would like to commend the victim for their bravery over the past 20 months since the incident occurred. It has not been pleasant to continue living in close proximity to her attacker."

The bottom line: The suspended sentence aims to deter Brett from reoffending, while the restraining order and parish ban are designed to provide relief to the victim after a prolonged period of living near her attacker.