I don't doubt that the person in the reports is deeply troubled, and that has in some large part contributed to erratic, violent and dangerous behaviour. But that's why we have a criminal justice system that takes this stuff into account, weighs up the public interest and passes judgement accordingly. I would guess that the 65 previous convictions and the very recent suspended sentence reflected this. However, there comes a time when the line is crossed and we can't look the other way and find extenuating circumstances any more, because we also need to protect the public.
It's to be hoped that the prison is able to offer assistance (drug rehab, therapy) to help the convict on release live a peaceful life and be a valuable member of the community.
If this is recorded as a female conviction, it will be a travesty and illustrate the dangers in the system we are in at the moment