The Trans Women's Anti-Violence Project

A MOTHER of two who swung a shovel at a disabled transgender woman is disputing the facts of the assault.

Christie Keighran, 22, was sentenced to six months jail in December last year but has been on bail after lodging an appeal.

Keighran was convicted in November of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and maliciously damaging property.

Albury Local Court was told Keighran attempted to hit wheelchair-bound victim Donna Macklan with a shovel in the assault on January 15 last year.

Ms Macklan had gone to visit a neighbour in Lavington when the assault took place.

Keighran and her then partner, Graeme Loxton, had been at the house and had argued with Ms Macklan when she came to the door.

Ms Macklan attempted to leave but Loxton punched her to the face.

Keighran called Ms Macklan a hermaphrodite and the assault continued outside with Keighran picking up a shovel and swinging it at Ms Macklan.

She missed but hit Ms Macklan’s wheelchair, causing damage.

The court heard Keighran succeeded in striking Ms Macklan with the shovel while she was on the ground and witnesses said they saw Keighran kick Ms Macklan to the stomach several times.

Ms Macklan eventually managed to leave, suffering fractured vertebrae, a broken elbow, cuts and swelling.

But Keighran’s solicitor Chris Murnane told District Court Judge Martin Blackmore yesterday that Keighran continued to dispute the facts.

“There was provocation,” he said.

“The victim came at her and she then used the shovel to protect herself.”

Keighran will also dispute the severity of Ms Macklan’s disability, claiming that she does not need a wheelchair all the time.

Judge Blackmore continued Keighran’s bail, adjourning the matter to April 30.