(ASHLEY LEGASSIC / iNFOnews.ca)

KAMLOOPS - A Kamloops Provincial Court judge has ruled that a woman facing assault charges is not criminally responsible for her behaviour.

Judge Christopher Cleaveley made his decision in court today, July 6, after a psychiatric report was submitted. Both defence and Crown agreed Shaina Inkster was not in her right state of mind when she assaulted her friend, a nurse and a police officer this year.

Inkster and a friend were travelling from New Westminster to 100 Mile House on March 30 when they stopped at the home of a close friend.

Court heard that Inkster became "upset and agitated" at the residence and began striking her friend. The homeowner called police and they apprehended Inkster under the Mental Health Act.

Crown prosecutor Neil Flanagan told the court that Inkster "landed a punch" on an officer and attempted to kick him in the chest.

"She was in, for lack of better words, a mental health crisis of some sort," Flanagan said.

Inkster was transported to a nearby hospital, and on the trip there she was threatening to harm herself. She was committed to the hospital and stayed overnight.

She was brought to Royal Inland Hospital on April 1. A psychiatric nurse brought Inkster her medication and she took it without any issues.

But court heard that Inkster then assaulted the nurse, striking her in the face. Other nurses were present and were able to restrain Inkster and hold her in a secure room.

Inkster was taken into custody after she was released from hospital, and appeared in court on April 20.

Flanagan told the court that at this point, Inkster seemed much more stable and was feeling better. She was released on that day and has been residing with her aunt ever since.

A not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder assessment was ordered, and in the finished report the doctor found the defence was available to Inkster.

Defence lawyer Michelle Stanford says Inkster had been experiencing black outs, and doesn't recall any of the assaults.

Cleaveley found Inkster not criminally responsible, and has differed her disposition to the review board.

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