Woman allegedly swung samurai-style sword at housemate after relationship 'breakdown'

A woman allegedly swung a samurai-style sword at her housemate's head before stealing her car following a breakdown in their relationship.

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Samantha Jane Schubert, 41, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday, October 12, where she was refused bail.

She is yet to enter pleas to endangering a life by committing an act with an offensive weapon, recklessly or intentionally inflicting actual bodily harm, and taking a motor vehicle without consent.

The court heard Schubert had been staying at the woman's house in Gordon for about a month before the alleged attack on Saturday night.

Police allege Schubert swung the samurai-style sword at her housemate's head following a verbal altercation.

The blade allegedly hit the woman's left ring finger as her arm was raised "above her head to protect herself", special magistrate Lucinda Wilson told the court on Monday.

Schubert then allegedly stole the woman's car and drove away.

The ACT Magistrates Court, where the woman made a bail application. Picture by Karleen Minney

Police found the accused near the car in Gordon at about 2.30am on Sunday.

In court, Schubert's duty lawyer applied for bail on her behalf, proposing strict bail conditions, including reporting to authorities when required and an order not to contact the alleged victim.

The lawyer said that under the proposed bail conditions, Schubert would leave the ACT to live with her partner's mother in Orange, arguing these arrangements would mitigate any safety risks to the alleged victim or community.

Opposing bail, the prosecutor said the alleged attack could have caused serious injury.

He also raised concerns about a potential "ongoing risk" to the housemate's safety as the alleged attack is said to have occurred in the context of a relationship breakdown.

In denying bail, Ms Wilson said that these were serious allegations, and the accused also had a history of failing to appear before a court when required.

"What occurred on Saturday night in the home of your former friend is extremely serious," the magistrate told Schubert.

"I think the risks are too great to grant you bail, and you will be bail refused."

Schubert's case will return to court at a later date.

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