The Wollongong Local Court has adjourned the disturbing case of a 60-year-old Horsley woman accused of a violent roadside attack on her own family, with the court previously hearing allegations that the diabetes medication Ozempic may have played a role in her actions.
Court proceedings postponed for case conference
The matter was listed to move towards a committal hearing on January 14, 2026, but Magistrate Geraldine Beattie instead adjourned it to March 4, 2026. The delay is to allow for a case conference between the prosecution and defence teams, a standard step to potentially streamline the legal process before a matter proceeds to a higher court.
The accused woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody after being denied bail. She faces two serious charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and has not yet entered a formal plea.
Alleged roadside ambush leaves family injured
Police allege the incident occurred on June 11, 2025, on West Dapto Road at Wongawilli. According to court documents, the woman's daughter-in-law was driving with her two young sons when the car ahead, allegedly driven by the grandmother, stopped.
It is claimed the 60-year-old then exited her vehicle, approached the passenger side of her relative's car, and stabbed her 10-year-old grandson in the neck. She then allegedly turned the knife on her daughter-in-law, stabbing her in the abdomen, before fleeing the scene.
A three-year-old child also in the car was not physically harmed. Both victims were airlifted to Westmead Hospital in serious condition, where they underwent days of treatment and required stitches for their wounds.
During initial police interactions, the accused woman reportedly admitted to the attack, stating she did not know why she did it and that "something just came over [her] to do it".
Forensic psychiatrist points to Ozempic as potential factor
During a previous bail hearing, which resulted in the woman being remanded in custody, a forensic psychiatrist provided evidence to the court. The expert stated the woman had a history of major depression, which may have made her "more vulnerable" to the side effects of Ozempic.
Magistrate Beattie summarised the evidence, noting the psychiatrist suggested "the medication may have had a toxic effect on her metabolism and made her susceptible to violent behaviour." The court heard the woman was taking the medication, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, at the time of the alleged offences.
The case highlights ongoing discussions about the rare but severe potential psychological side effects associated with certain medications. The matter will return to Wollongong Local Court in March for further proceedings.
