Court heard Monday morning that 21-year-old Richele MacDonald was out of touch with reality and believed she was going to be murdered when she slashed her then-boyfriend and a part-time firefighter with the sword.

Judge Stephen Brown said it was a “perfect storm” leading up to December 2, 2007 that resulted in the slashing of the two men.

MacDonald wasn’t eating or sleeping, had stopped taking her anti-anxiety medication and was using marijuana, compounding her underlying psychiatric condition, the court heard. She began to use the computer obsessively, speaking online with people who drew her further and further from reality, court heard.

She was also surrounded by a collection of swords.

“It (the attacks) involved the culmination of a week’s descent into a psychotic state,” Brown said. An assessment found MacDonald, who had a troubled past, suffered from borderline personality disorder and a substance-induced psychotic disorder.

Court heard that MacDonald was living with her boyfriend, Steven Schlorke, at a Steeles Avenue home when the incident took place. She began swinging a sword at Schlorke and his brother. As the Champion previously reported, Schlorke, 26, was slashed on his shoulder, arm and the side of his head.

The court heard that MacDonald then crossed the street to the Petro Canada station at Steeles Avenue and Martin Street. She caught the attention of Steve Reynolds, 42, a part-time firefighter who was filling up his vehicle. Reynolds offered her help, but MacDonald began to swing the sword and, inside the station store, cut deep into Reynolds’ arm as he tried to get the sword away from her.

Although Brown sentenced MacDonald to two years in jail, she’s already served the equivalent of almost 22 months after being given two-for-one credit for pre-trial custody. She has 81 days more to serve.

She previously pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault and one count of mischief. Monday she also pleaded guilty to possession of a dangerous weapon.

MacDonald was brought into the Oakville courthouse handcuffed in a dark green tracksuit. Her father mouthed a quick “hi” to her as she was led to the prisoner’s box.

Also in the courtroom were Reynolds and his wife, Zena.

When given a chance to speak, MacDonald stood and turned to Reynolds, looking him in the eye. “I’d like to apologize to Mr. Reynolds and his wife,” she said, starting to cry mid-sentence. “I’m very sorry and I’ll make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”

She also wrote apology letters to the victims.

Brown acknowledged the heroic actions of Reynolds, saying if it weren’t for him more people could have been injured or even killed — including the gas station employees, police who responded and even MacDonald herself.

“I think Mr. Reynolds, as part of all this, has to be recognized and given great credit for his heroism that day,” he told the court.

Brown said MacDonald has shown significant remorse, something he took into account when determining her sentence.

In addition to jail time, MacDonald was sentenced to three years’ probation, which will start after she’s released from prison. Terms include that she not drink or use drugs, that she not own any weapons and that she attend counselling.

She was also ordered to pay $5,000 for the damage she caused to the gas station and do 30 hours of community service. The judge suggested she speak to students about the dangers of marijuana.

MacDonald will live with her mother in Cobourg.

Two years was the penalty that was recommended to the judge in a joint submission between MacDonald’s lawyer, Laura Hillyer, and Crown attorney Jim Coppolino.

Hillyer said MacDonald, now 22, has no prior criminal record and, before last December, had no tendencies toward violence. She’s since recovered from her condition, Hillyer said, and is taking her medication regularly.

The sentence is “very appropriate,” Hillyer said.

Coppolino said there’s an underlying message he hopes gets out. “This case shows use of marijuana can cause significant repercussions and every individual is different (in how they react).”

Reynolds said he’s satisfied with the sentence imposed and politely declined further comment.

Stephanie Hounsell can be reached at sthiessen@miltoncanadianchampion.com .