Trial of woman accused of assaulting sister aborted

File photo / NZ Herald

The trial of Tauranga woman accused of attacking her sister and actively encouraging her pitbull puppy to join in the attack has been aborted.

The victim, Liz Smith, suffered horrific injuries with tears to her scalp, ears, nose and lips that required surgery.

Judge Peter Rollo declared a mistrial for Welcome Bay woman Phillipa Bayley, 54, in Tauranga District Court late yesterday afternoon on day one of her three-day trial.

The mistrial was declared as the jury began hearing evidence from Ms Smith.

Bayley had denied one count of caused grievous bodily harm with the intention of causing grievous bodily harm - a charge which attracts a maximum sentence of 14 years prison.

Ms Smith alleges her sister attacked her and also set her dog on her during a dispute in the lounge of Bayley's home on May 21.

For legal reasons the Bay of Plenty Times cannot reveal the reason why the trial had to be aborted.

An emotional Bayley wept on being told her trial could not continue, while a tearful Ms Smith also left court.

Bayley was further remanded on bail, and a new trial is expected to be scheduled sometime in the New Year.