COUNSEL for a young woman who assaulted hospital staff during a medical-induced rage says his client is desperate to get out of Bandyup Women's Prison.
Christine Karen Lee Hayward, 19, was visibly upset as she appeared via video link in Mandurah Magistrates Court on Friday.
At times sitting with her head in her hands, Ms Hayward pleaded guilty to 15 charges including assaulting a taxi driver, assaulting a public officer and injuring four hospital staff members during offences spanning 10 months.
Ms Hayward lashed out at four Peel Health Campus staff in November last year after she was admitted following an epileptic fit.
While at the hospital she attacked her doctor and three staff members, two women and a man who attempted to assist her.
Clearly agitated during her hearing, the court heard Ms Hayward has significant medical problems and a history of substance abuse.
Given her guilty pleas to five separate breaches of bail, no bail application was made.
Supported in court by family members, counsel for Ms Hayward submitted a handwritten letter on her behalf as he described his client’s lifestyle as chaotic.
Magistrate Vivien Edwards ordered a psychiatric report for Ms Hayward before her next appearance on August 29.
Ms Hayward, who will be 20 by that appearance, will appear in person in court for sentencing.