A woman who stole a man's car at knifepoint in Wedderburn, aggrieved at his treatment of her and her friend, must perform 300 hours of unpaid community work.
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Louise Miller, 35, must also undergo assessment and treatment for drug use and mental health as part of a community corrections order that will run for two and a half years.
Her sentence includes a term of imprisonment of 135 days, which she has already served.
The Wychitella resident was sentenced in the County Court for an armed robbery she committed last January.
One night, Miller and her friend drove to an address where the victim and his then-partner were staying in an old bus.
Miller pushed her way onto the bus and asked the victim where her gems were, while lashing out with her fists.
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She pulled out a knife and a piece of paper, and threatened to stab the victim if he did not sign it.
She told him it was a "receipt" signing over his car to her.
Miller then drove away in the car.
Earlier that night, Miller had received a call that the victim was "flashing gems around" and saying they were "worth a fortune".
Judge Michael Bourke said Miller had reason to believe the victim had stolen gems from the friend who accompanied her that night.
The judge also accepted the victim had exploited Miller when he previously lived with her.
"I accept the proposition that you had become very angry about what you saw as [the victim's] treatment of you and your friend," Judge Bourke said.
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The victim made a victim impact statement, in which he said the incident left him frightened for the safety of himself and his pregnant girlfriend.
Judge Bourke said Miller experienced an "extremely disadvantaged and damaging background", which included abuse and Miller witnessing the violent death of her father.
Miller also suffered serious mental health conditions, Judge Bourke noted, a probable acquired brain injury, and a history of substance abuse.
He found Miller did not commit the armed robbery in company - which would have prohibited the imposition of a community corrections order - because while her friend was present, he was not involved in the crime.
But Judge Bourke noted Miller had a criminal history that included some violence.
Had Miller not pleaded guilty and been found guilty of armed robbery, she would have faced nine months' imprisonment and a three-year community corrections order.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
