A TAMWORTH woman allegedly told a teenage girl if she was going to jail, she “was going away for murder”, before she attempted to kill her on Monday night.
Chloe Galbraith sobbed in the dock of Tamworth Local Court on Tuesday in front of family and friends as the details of the violent altercation which unfolded the night before were revealed.
The 19-year-old is charged with the attempted murder of a 17-year-old girl after she allegedly stabbed her in the abdomen once with a 30cm knife just after 10pm at a Queen St block of units.
According to the police facts, Galbraith was arrested holding the knife and told officers “I stabbed her, I stabbed her, I’m sorry.”
Police have been told a verbal argument broke out between the pair and Galbraith allegedly smashed a window at the block of units and left.
Shortly after, Galbraith returned and the argument escalated before she allegedly lunged at the victim and tried to kill her with the knife.
The victim was rushed to Tamworth hospital by ambulance and underwent emergency surgery.
Late yesterday afternoon she remained in a serious but stable condition, surrounded by family and friends.
Galbraith is charged with one count of attempted murder and destroying or damaging property, and was led into court handcuffed for yesterday’s bail hearing.
Police prosecutor Matthew Price opposed the release, arguing Galbraith posed an unacceptable risk.
“The bail concerns identified include endangering the victim, witnesses and individuals, committing further serious offences and failing to appear at court,” he said.
In written submissions tendered to the court, Mr Price said the case was “very strong” after police allegedly located the accused holding the alleged weapon, and there was an “extent of premeditation involving arming oneself before approaching the victim”.
“After stabbing the victim, the accused is then alleged to have said ‘if I’m going away, I’m going away for murder’, before she followed the witnesses,” submissions read.
Solicitor Matt Kwan said his client was not a flight risk.
“She surrendered to police,” he said.
“She surrendered with the weapon she is alleged to have used.
“She is effectively someone of good character, the court would not be concerned.”
Magistrate Michael Holmes dismissed Mr Kwan’s submission it wasn’t a strong prosecution case on the charge of attempted murder.
“If you look at the facts ... she made a comment ... ‘if I’m going away, I’m going away for murder’,” he said.
Mr Kwan refuted the claim those words were said, and stated they were simply allegations.
He submitted a list of proposed bail conditions which would “severely curtail Miss Galbraith’s freedom” including to live in South Tamworth under curfew.
But Magistrate Holmes said it wasn’t enough.
“There appears to be premeditation involved,” he said.
"A very strong prosecution case.
"The accused has not shown cause why detention is not justified...accordingly bail is refused."
The case has been referred to the DPP and will return to court at the end of April.
