Arrest warrant follows 'psychotic episode'

The French national who damaged Karamea Area School in a "psychotic episode" in March has left the country before she could be sentenced for the offences.

Laura Camiade, 22, pleaded guilty to charges of intentional damage and burglary in April and was due to be sentenced in Westport District Court today.

Judge Paul Kellar issued a warrant for Camiade's arrest, which would be activated if she ever entered New Zealand again.

Camiade broke into the home economics block at Karamea Area School on the morning of March 28. She swiped at sewing machines, benches and a washing machine with a large kitchen knife.

She told police she knew what she was doing and couldn't stop. She said she didn't feel right in the head.

Camiade, who was based in Karamea and had been in the country since November, had week-to-week work as a tomato picker.

Tim Spear, who defended Camiade in April, said that in the three weeks prior to her "psychotic episode" she hadn't been eating or sleeping and had become increasingly paranoid.

She had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital and was taking medication.

- Westport News

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