SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A woman with a long history of violence was given a six month conditional sentence March 3 for assaulting an employee at Shoppers Drug Mart on Christmas Eve.

Justice Bernadette Schmaltz said if Debbie Ailanak didn't clean up her act - referring specifically to 28 past convictions for violent crimes - any future violent offences could net her a dangerous offender status.

On Dec. 24 at approximately 7 p.m., Ailanak entered Shoppers Drug Mart to get her prescription re-filled. As an employee tried to assist her, Ailanak went behind the counter, chased the staff member and grabbed her.

Crown prosecutor Glen Boyd told the court as the employee put up her hands to defend herself the accused "grabbed on to her saying she was angry and pissed off."

Boyd said 60 to 90 days jail time would be appropriate for the incident.

"At some point the public needs to be protected," Boyd said, alluding to Ailanak's criminal past and history of mental illness and substance abuse. "The victim was simply doing her job."

Defence attorney Dan Rideout said a custodial sentence was a better option for his client – putting her under supervision while she's allowed to live in the community. He added that when she is taking medication for her mental illness, she is compliant.

In a statement to the court, Ailanak, who broke down in tears upon hearing the victim impact statement, said she wants to prove to society she can change.

"I was angry, I was pissed off and I was sad, it was no reason for me to assault her," she said. "I'm very sorry for this incident."

Schmaltz said she was concerned about Ailanak "getting into more trouble" and said if she was back in court on a similar charge again the Crown will eventually proceed by indictment, which entails a longer sentence.

"It's not six months, it's five years," Schmaltz said of the possible maximum sentence she would receive.

Ailanak was ordered to reside at one of the shelters in town for six months under a curfew, requiring her to be in the shelter by 7 p.m., and to complete 60 hours of community service. She is also to take counselling and programming when required.

"You have got to keep getting the help to stay on track," Schmaltz told her.

Ailanak said it was her last chance at freedom and she wasn't going to let it slip away.