Dora Tearuru Williams has escaped a custodial sentence after stabbing her partner in the stomach.

Justice Dame Judith Potter said she would not send Williams to prison, while the offence would merit imprisonment.

Williams appeared in the High Court on Thursday charged with wounding with reckless disregard.

The Crown had a starting point of two to two years and six months jail as there was use of a weapon.

The injury was significant with a deep wound to the stomach.

The defendant had shown remorse and had a child with the victim.

The couple were willing to undertake counselling and there was an opportunity to serve a community based sentence.

Probation had recommended community service and supervision.

Defence lawyer Mark Short said the defendant was a young lady who had just had a baby.

When the offence took place she was vulnerable and it was a knee jerk reaction she regretted.

The couple had sought counselling and were willing to continue counselling.

“Many people have spoken highly of the defendant, the young woman isn’t an evil person.

“It was a mistake, she is still with the victim and they are working through their issues.”

Short said he supported a community based sentence and would be grateful for leniency.

Justice Potter said it was a tragic case but there was a way forward.

On September 3, 2022, the defendant’s partner went out to a party and returned home after midnight in an intoxicated state.

There was an argument, he left and returned home at 5am.

At 7.30am the defendant woke him and told him to go home.

There was another argument and she grabbed a bread knife and stabbed him in the stomach.

He left the scene and his family rang the police. He required 12 stitches for a “serious cut”.

The aggravating factor was the use of a weapon, she had no previous convictions.

“In all circumstances, the sentence is a lenient one,” Justice Potter said.

Williams was given 12 months of probation with the first five months to be served as community service. “I wish you and your partner well,” Just Potter said, “Best wishes.”