Lady Justice statue. (Photo by WilliamCho from pixabay)Lady Justice statue. (Photo by WilliamCho from pixabay)
Chatham

Wallaceburg woman pleads guilty to stabbing neighbours

A Wallaceburg woman accused of three counts of attempted murder in connection with a stabbing at an apartment building in Wallaceburg last year has pleaded guilty to lesser charges.

Mary Smith, 34, appeared by video in Chatham Court on Tuesday to plead guilty to three counts of aggravated assault related to a stabbing at 32 Thomas Avenue on March 9, 2021.

Smith also pleaded guilty to assaulting a man in January of 2020 and pleaded guilty in June to possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The court heard that Smith thought she was being raped and called 911 just before 4 a.m. and then grabbed a large butcher knife and started yelling and banging on apartment doors asking for help. A man opened his door to see what was happening and one of two other men who left their apartments to help the first man was stabbed in the chest.

Defence lawyer Greg McGivern said Smith was very high on marijuana at the time of the crime but knew what she was doing because she put the bloody knife in a bag and called police, adding she is remorseful and regrets what happened.

Two psychological assessments on Smith done in 2021 concluded that she had criminal responsibility for the stabbing.

McGivern told the court that Smith had involvement with the Children's Aid Society as a very young child because her mother struggled with mental health issues and alcohol. The court also heard Smith had a traumatic incident with her father, which wasn't detailed in court.

McGivern also said Smith has anger issues, as well as substance abuse issues but has reached out for help while in jail. The court was also told that Smith was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2012, has a personality disorder, and is anti-social. She also has four estranged children under 13 years of age from two previous relationships.

McGivern said Smith has tried to get clean and sober before but has been unsuccessful so far.

"Miss Smith in my submission is somebody now more than ever that recognizes her issues with substance use and cannabis and has taken that very seriously since her time in custody," said McGivern. "There's discussion in the reports of Miss Smith's significant alcohol use at times with levels of consumption that are very high."

Smith was sentenced to two years less a day and will spend another 102 days at the Windsor Jail after getting credit for time already served. Smith is banned from owning or possessing weapons for 10 years and will be on probation for three years after her release. She also must provide a DNA sample upon release from jail. Smith must also stay away from the victims and has been evicted from the building. She must also not consume alcohol or other intoxicating substances and must attend a mental rehabilitation program.

The 58-year-old male victim suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a London hospital for medical attention.

Smith also wrote a letter to the victims in hopes they will forgive her.

"I do hope and pray everyday that the injuries sustained have not cause long term harm. I also hope and prey that the victims forgive my actions from that day," Smith wrote.

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