Woman who threatened to kill her mother jailed for 18 months
Jade Russell also stole from her mother to fuel her drug addiction
A woman who grabbed her mother by the neck and threatened to kill her has been sentenced to jail for 18 months.
Jade Russell, 27, pleaded guilty to terrorising her mother, stealing from her, and physically assaulting her during a series of drug-fueled demands for cash.
She admitted to a string of charges, including harassment, threats and causing slight bodily harm. The court heard how Russell targeted her mother to fund a severe cocaine addiction and to buy food.
The situation reached a breaking point on the morning of June 11, when local police in Birżebbuġa received an urgent report from Russell’s mother around 9.30am.
The prosecution detailed how Russell’s behaviour had become increasingly volatile after she abruptly abandoned a drug rehabilitation program.
Driven by her addiction, she repeatedly demanded money from her mother.
Even after being evicted from the family home due to her aggressive behaviour, Russell continued to break into the property, often bringing strangers inside without her mother's consent.
The abuse escalated dramatically when Russell allegedly grabbed her mother by the neck and threatened to kill her.
The victim also informed police officers that she had discovered significant amounts of cash missing from the home, which, during police interrogation, Russell confessed to stealing.
Appearing before Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace, Russell registered an early guilty plea, admitting to all the charges brought against her.
The court sentenced Russell to 18 months' imprisonment and ordered her to pay a €200 fine while placing her under a two-year treatment order to ensure Russell receives rehabilitation support while in custody.
Furthermore, to guarantee the victim’s safety, a three-year restraining order was issued in favour of the mother.
The prosecution was led by Inspector Christian Cauchi, while legal aid lawyer Martina Herrera represented the accused.