A MOUNT Gambier woman incarcerated in the Adelaide Women’s Prison has had her stay extended after she bashed another prisoner until they lost consciousness.
Carissa Jasmine Thorp, 24, appeared in the Adelaide District Court on Friday to be sentenced for causing harm with intent.
The incident occurred on June 14 last year when the defendant was having breakfast in a common area at the prison.
Thorp – holding a water bottle – walked towards the victim and sprayed her in the face.
Security camera footage showed the victim trying to grab the water bottle from the defendant and a struggle ensued.
Thorp pushed the victim to the ground, fell on her and immediately started punching her to the head.
After Thorp punched her around six times, security camera footage showed the victim lying face down and appearing unresponsive.
Thorp then kicked and punched her several more times before walking away briefly, only to return and kick her in the head again.
In total, the defendant delivered around 17 punches and 12 kicks, all to the victim’s head.
The victim was attended to by prison staff and then taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital by ambulance.
She was treated for concussion and bruises to her face.
Defence counsel said Thorp was remorseful for the offending.
Judge Jane Schammer accepted the apology was genuine, however highlighted the seriousness of the offending.
“The security camera footage depicts your sustained and vicious attack upon the victim, an assault which continued when she appeared to have been rendered helpless and was lying still on the ground,” Judge Schammer said.
“It is very fortunate the victim did not sustain more serious and permanent injuries.”
Judge Schammer said deterrence was important due to the incident occurring inside a prison facility.
“Members of the prison population need to understand that behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated,” Judge Schammer said.
At the time of the offending Thorp was serving a sentence for engaging in a police pursuit, which was set to finish on March 12 this year.
However, instead of being released, she had been held on remand for this offending.
Defence counsel indicated that Thorp wished to return to Mount Gambier to live with her partner upon her release from custody.
“I very much hope that when you are released you and your partner can support each other to try to remain drug free and that you can get the professional help you need to start a new chapter in your life,” Judge Schammer said.
Thorp was sentenced to two years imprisonment with a one year non-parole period, which was backdated to start on March 13.
