Natia Ann Freeman, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of common assault following the June 10 incident at the Tolland shops on Bourke Street.

Documents tendered to the court revealed Freeman and her victim had “years of hatred” towards each other and often resorted to “verbal abuse and slurs” when they saw each other. 

On the day of the assault, the victim arrived at the shops in her black BMW to get some takeaway.

When she got back into her car with her food, Freeman and her partner pulled up in the parking spot next to her. 

Freeman then got out, opened the victim’s car door, and started assaulting her while she was still in the driver’s seat. 

“The victim held her arms up to protect her while [Freeman] threw multiple punches, most of which landed on the victim’s head, face, and forearms before she began pulling the victim’s hair,” the police report read.

“At some point during this, [Freeman] bit the victim on her right forearm, causing indents and minor bruising.” 

During the assault, passersby tried to come to the victim’s aid when she began screaming out for help, but Freeman’s partner stopped them from intervening. 

Freeman then slammed the victim’s car door shut, got back in her own car, and fled the scene.

The entire incident was caught on CCTV cameras. 

Police arrested Freeman a week after the incident when she admitted to the assault but insisted she was provoked by the victim having made a “derogatory statement” about her recently deceased family member.

She told police those comments “hit a nerve” and caused her to “see red”, spurring the violent attack. 

In Wagga Local Court on Monday, magistrate Christopher Halburd deplored Freeman’s behaviour. 

“I accept that something was said that upset you… but the way you behaved on this day was just completely unacceptable,” Mr Halburd said.

“It involved multiple punches landing on the victim’s face and head, biting her forearm, and pulling her hair.” 

Freeman assured the magistrate the behaviour was completely out of character for her. 

The incident was the first time the pair’s long-time feud turned violent. 

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