Staff refused Emma-Jane Mooney’s unusual request so she grabbed a butter knife from a table and walked into George St where she flashed it at some children.
The 54-year-old appeared in the Dunedin District Court last week after pleading guilty to threatening to do grievous bodily harm, intimidation and possessing a knife.
An earlier sentencing date had been adjourned in a bid to arrange wraparound support for Mooney who has struggled with mental health issues.
But Judge Dominic Flatley said nothing could be found.
"Ms Mooney has fallen through the cracks — it happens, it’s unfortunate and it’s a real concern to me but it’s very difficult to identify the appropriate community agencies and supports that can assist."
Counsel Rhona Daysh described it as "a miserable state of affairs".
At 5pm on October 19 last year, Mooney walked into Wall Street Mall, "moderately affected by alcohol".
The 39-year-old victim, who was 36 weeks pregnant, was getting a coffee when she was approached by the defendant.
"You are pregnant. I need to hurt you," Mooney said.
"I need a sharp knife to stab that lady," she said to cafe staff.
Out in a busy George St, Mooney crossed the road, yelling that she had a knife.
Outside McDonald’s, the court heard, she walked up to a group of school pupils waiting for a bus and brandished the cutlery at one of the girls.
"I’m aware Ms Mooney was highly unlikely to follow through with any action, though I can’t be certain about that," the judge said.
"It would have been very frightening for [the victims] indeed."
Ms Daysh said things might be looking up for her client; she had met a woman while in prison and they were planning to live together.
Mooney having to resort to living at a backpackers or the night shelter would be "an absolute travesty", she said.
In the absence of any other options, Judge Flatley jailed the defendant for 11 months.
Because of the time spent on remand, she will be released immediately.
