Katrina Jane Cunningham, guilty of assault, gets home detention

Katrina Jane Cunningham, 37, appeared in the Launceston Supreme Court, having admitted to assaulting Lorraine Jordan outside Cunningham's home on April 29, 2018.

Ms Jordan was an acquaintance of Cunningham, who initially believed Ms Jordan was a social worker.

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The victim previously told the court she had studied social services and was trying to help Cunningham, who was then a single mother.

On the day in question, Ms Jordan drove to visit Cunningham at Rocherlea.

Cunningham was standing outside her residence, speaking on a mobile phone.

When Ms Jordan got out of her car, Cunningham accused her of reporting her to the Child Safety Service.

Cunningham then punched Ms Jordan in the face, and then punched her again, knocking her to the ground.

Ms Jordan fractured her right arm in the fall. While the victim was on the ground, Cunningham kicked her in the area of her neck.

The court heard Cunningham then used her phone to take pictures of the victim.

In addition to a fractured right arm, the victim was left with a fractured right cheekbone and a fractured nose.

Cunningham told police Ms Jordan had arrived at her home at speed that day and exited the car carrying an open can of alcohol.

Acting Justice Brian Martin said that even if this proved to be true "it did not justify or excuse your conduct in any way".

"Your attack had effects [on the victim] beyond physical injury," he said.

"I accept you are remorseful."

The judge noted that Cunningham's GP had attested to the fact that Cunningham was an "excellent mother".

While a probation officer from Community Corrections recommended against Cunningham being granted a home detention order, Acting Justice Martin said it would be "counter-productive to the best interests of the community to interrupt your progress" by imposing a term of imprisonment.

"You have established a stable and loving home," Acting Justice Martin said.

The chief issue the probation officer had with granting a home detention order was Cunningham's need to be able to transport her child to and from school.

But Acting Justice Martin told Cunningham such a task was "a part of family life" and "an important aspect of your rehabilitation".

Cunningham will only be able to transport her child to and from school with the approval of probation officers and will be subject to a raft of strict conditions under the 12-month order.