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A woman who admitted her part in a machete attack that left a man with wounds requiring more than 60 stitches was warned by a judge yesterday that she may be heading for jail. Karlina Maree Yates, 19, a caregiver, pleaded guilty in Christchurch District Court to a joint charge of aggravated burglary.
Police prosecutor Nigel Wolland said Yates and an associate went to the address of former close friends on September 16 to demand they stop harassing them with text messages.
The associate was armed with a large machete-type cleaver with a 35cm-long blade and Yates had a small crowbar.
Yates burst into the house followed by her associate, both threatening the four occupants and demanding that the text messages stop. When one of the occupants threw a brick, the associate rushed forward swinging the machete and cut the victim deeply on his thigh.
Another person in the house managed to get the associate to drop the machete, before he and Yates ran from the house, Yates picking up the machete as they left.
Mr Wolland said the victim underwent surgery, receiving 56 stitches in four layers to a large slash wound on his thigh. He received another six or seven stitches to wounds to his forearm and scalp.
"The other three victims were unhurt but extremely shaken and scared," Mr Wolland said.
Police found the machete and the crowbar at Yates' house the next day. Yates admitted her part in the offending and said they took the weapons with them to intimidate their former friends.
Judge Stephen Erber remanded her on renewed bail for sentencing on November 15.
"I've granted you bail but that's no indication of what will happen to you on November 15," he told Yates.
Her associate and co-accused was remanded without plea for a fortnight. He also faces a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
- NZPA
