A “psychotic break” led to a stabbing last year that nearly left a Boise woman dead, and an Ada County judge took the assailant’s mental health into consideration when handing down a sentence this week.
Farida Joel Mathew, 24, was sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison on a felony aggravated battery charge, with two years fixed, meaning parole eligibility after that time. The judge in the case also retained jurisdiction, which means Mathew will be asked to complete a rider program while in Idaho Department of Correction custody, and then could be released. She was given credit for over a year of time served, and the judge also issued a no-contact order.
Mathew pleaded guilty to the battery count in a plea agreement after being charged with four felonies originally, including burglary and an enhancement for use of a deadly weapon in commission of a felony…