Julie Beards, the woman previously jailed for her role in the rape and manslaughter of Susan Whiting in Walsall in 2015, has narrowly avoided a return to prison after appearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court for new offences.
Court Appearance
The 46-year-old from Edgbaston pleaded guilty to criminal damage and threatening behaviour following an incident at her partner's family home in February. During the argument, she threw items causing £150 damage to a coffee machine and candle, and made what District Judge David Wain clarified was a 'threat to kill'.
Judge's Warning
Judge Wain told Beards: "Consider yourself extremely lucky," explaining she should have faced more serious charges that would have resulted in immediate custody.
Defence Statement
Her defence solicitor Naima Hussain said: "She would just like to emphasise her genuine remorse. She is ashamed of her behaviour and appreciates how wrong it was."
Sentence
Beards was sentenced to 12 weeks suspended for 12 months, with 20 days rehabilitation, an eight-week curfew, and ordered to pay £304 in compensation and surcharge.
Background
She had originally been jailed in 2016 for helping her then-husband Steven Beards drug and kill vulnerable 20-year-old Susan Whiting with a hammer at their Walsall home.
