Self-defence claimed in Qld Uber attack

A teenage mother charged with assaulting a Uber driver with a machete in Brisbane claims she acted in self-defence.

Kiara Turner was arrested early on Thursday after police who called to a disturbance at Bridgeman Downs found a male Uber driver with a cut to his head.

Police say Ms Turner told officers she carried the weapon for protection, and the driver attacked her first.

But police allege Ms Turner tried to steal the car after the driver mistook her for his fare.

The 37-year-old man's wound was not life-threatening.

Ms Turner's lengthy criminal history of robbery and violence offences was revealed when she appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

The TAFE student had been on bail on numerous similar charges when she was arrested, the court heard.

Magistrate Jason Schubert refused to grant Ms Turner's release, citing her "appalling" record and an unacceptable risk she would reoffend.

The case is due to return to court on February 15.

But she will now be spending Christmas behind bars.