Woman jailed for pushing man who died from head injuries
Kayla Hodge was jailed for pushing Eric Wilson, 81, who died from head injuries sustained at a Wallsend bus stop.
Kayla Hodge, 26, was jailed after pleading guilty to assault causing death. Kayla Hodge pushed Eric Wilson, 81, at a bus stop in Wallsend in November 2024, believing he was following her.
Hodge was suffering from psychosis and delusions. Wilson struck his head when he fell and died from head injuries two weeks later at John Hunter Hospital.
The court heard Hodge had suffered trauma and deprivation, had been homeless, and had a 10-year methamphetamine addiction. She was diagnosed with at least eight major mental illnesses.
Her lawyer argued her trauma history warranted avoiding jail, but prosecutors emphasised the severity of the incident and the need for imprisonment. Wilson's nephew read a victim impact statement expressing how the family felt robbed of expected time with him.
The statement noted Wilson had been in good health with many years ahead.
- Eric Wilson, 81; Kayla Hodge, 26
- Victim and accused
- November 10, 2024, Wallsend bus stop
- When and where
- 10-year methamphetamine addiction
- Hodge's addictions
- At least eight major mental illnesses
- Mental health diagnoses
Why it mattersThe case shows gaps in mental health support and how quickly untreated psychosis can result in fatal consequences.
AustraliaAustralian courts increasingly handle cases involving untreated mental illness and serious violence, raising concerns about mental health service availability.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 18 h ago
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