Louth mother wielded knife as she chased woman out of her own home
A mother of two who chased another woman out of her own home while wielding a knife has been sent to prison for one year and 3 months.
Dundalk Circuit Court heard that Samantha Stokes (30) threatened to kill her victim after smashing up the kitchen in the woman’s home.
The defendant, of Drive 1, Muirhevnamór, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to production of the knife, with further charges of making a threat to kill or cause serious harm and criminal damage taken into consideration.
Reports outlined that Ms Stokes has had a traumatic life. She had been a victim of and witness to serious offending.
Evidence was heard previously that on May 16, 2021, the injured party had friends over to her house in Clontygora Court, Dundalk. She had gone to bed when the defendant arrived.
The following morning an argument began between the two women. Ms Stokes was screaming and shouting. She smashed several items in the kitchen.
She rang her mother to “bring bullets” because she said that she was going to kill the other woman.
The accused grabbed a knife and chased the victim, threatening to kill her. CCTV showed Samantha Stokes in pursuit of the woman.
Her mother arrived by car to diffuse the situation.
The defendant was arrested two days later. She admitted that she was in the house. Investigators did not accept her explanation that she was there to remove drugs out of concern for the injured party.
A knife was recovered from a grassy area in the estate.
There are two previous public order convictions from an incident in 2017. There had been no trouble since the matter in question.
Gardaí believed her mental health issues were exacerbated by alcohol.
Judge Dara Hayes noted that a probation report said that Ms Stokes was at a high risk of reoffending and there was concern at a risk of harm to others. It was hoped medication would reduce the symptoms. She was making an effort to reduce her alcohol use.
A psychological report desribed her as a vulnerable woman. There was a risk of violence to others without treatment.
Judge Hayes said aggravating factors were that the victim’s children had been in the house at the time and Ms Stokes had effectively chased the woman out of her own home while wielding a knife. Significant damage had been caused to the house.
It was a late plea of guilty after a jury had been empanelled.
A two-and-a-half year sentence was imposed, the final 15 months suspended.
Conditions of the suspension include that the defendant keeps the peace and is of good behaviour, places herself under 12 months of Probation Service supervision post release and engages with services.