A CONVICTED murderer who dumped her lawyer moments before sentencing is back behind bars after being sentenced for an assault in the city last year.
Veronica Hay, 50, appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for damaging property and assault.
Defence counsel for Hay withdrew from the file before proceedings started.
The incident occurred at around 8.45am on January 5 last year when Hay was walking on Crouch Street.
The driver of a vehicle was caused to slow down due to Hay walking in the middle of the road.
As the car slowed down, Hay asked the driver for a lift, however the victim refused out of fear.
The defendant became belligerent and began kicking and punching the bonnet of the car.
Witnesses said Hay could be seen yelling and screaming while causing significant damage to the vehicle.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson said Hay’s behaviour was terrorising.
“You do not see things from the point of view of the victim,” Magistrate Anderson said.
“When you are using drugs you tend to react violently.”
Hay became increasingly agitated during court proceedings.
Magistrate Anderson sentenced Hay to six weeks jail due to her history of violence and drug abuse.
“You have continued to use drugs and you have not rehabilitated,” Magistrate Anderson said.
