A woman who stabbed her ex-girlfriend eight times in a fit of jealous rage after catching her in bed with another woman will serve no more jail time.
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Jieping Bao, 26, pleaded guilty in the ACT Supreme Court to intentional wounding over the October 2011 attack, which left the victim with a partially collapsed lung.
The court heard, at a sentencing on Monday, the lesbian lovers had been living together in Belconnen but Bao moved out when the relationship split in late 2011.
Bao called her ex-girlfriend several times wanting to talk and then went to the unit about 4am on October 31 when her calls went unanswered.
The victim at first refused her entry but then, concerned the neighbours would be disturbed, let Bao in when she began to scream.
Bao then ran onto the balcony and threatened to jump off after discovering the victim’s new girlfriend in bed.
The victim dragged her back inside but was then attacked by Bao with a kitchen knife.
She managed to disarm Bao who grabbed another knife and continued the attack before attempting self-harm.
The victim was hospitalised with eight wounds to her chest and back, including a partially collapsed lung.
The court heard the ex-girlfriend has since recovered but still bears the scars of the attack.
Bao spent four months in jail after the attack and the victim visited her and accepted her apology.
A medical report, tendered in court, said Bao had suffered a major depressive episode at the time of the attack.
The court heard the Chinese-born bookkeeper had abused alcohol and sleeping pills in the aftermath of the split and had no memory of the incident.
But she had acknowledged her guilt and expressed remorse, shame and sadness.
A presentence report author rated Bao a low risk of reoffending.
The court heard she had since relocated to Sydney where she was engaged to be married and expecting her first child.
Justice Hilary Penfold sentenced Bao to one year jail, backdated to take into account for time served.
The final eight months were suspended upon Bao entering a one year good behaviour order and paying the court a $1000 security.
Justice Penfold urged Bao to continue to pay close attention to her mental health,
The judge urged the defendant to seek help early if her symptoms returned.
“This has been a sad and disturbing incident for all concerned,” Justice Penfold said.
“Don’t let your mental health slide again to the point where you are a danger to yourself and others.”
