NSW woman jailed over 'butane' stabbing

A woman who stabbed her sleeping partner with a kitchen knife while she was high on butane has been jailed for at least 14 months.

Emily Lines, 23, pleaded guilty to the reckless grievous bodily harm of her then-boyfriend at his Sydney home last November, a day after she was released from a mental health facility following an attempt on her own life.

In sentencing Lines in the Downing Centre District Court on Thursday, Judge Helen Syme took into account a psychiatric report saying she was "affected by confused and irrational thinking ... mental illness and substance abuse" at the time.

While under the influence of butane, Lines took a knife from the kitchen and walked to the bedroom where she stabbed her partner, then aged 27, three or four times in the back while he was asleep or nearly asleep.

He remained in hospital for about six weeks with injuries including a collapsed lung.

Lines' lawyer Shalina Perera said her client has since been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is taking medication.

Asked about her present condition, Lines told the judge, "I've never felt so clear-minded."

She was abused while growing up in Perth and started using drugs, self harming and living on the streets.

Ms Perera said Lines was a "particularly vulnerable person" who was in a chaotic relationship with the victim.

The judge set a maximum term of three years and four months.

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