A Perth woman has appeared in court accused of poisoning a colleague's curry lunch with snail pellets containing the poisonous substance metaldehyde. Jean Hunt, 43, appeared in Armadale Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with unlawful act or omission with intent to harm after the alleged incident at an Oldbury business in February.
WA Police said a 58-year-old woman brought a container of curry to share at a workplace lunch at an Oldbury business. The curry had been eaten by colleagues with no issue. It is alleged Hunt then accessed a chemical storage shed before going back into the building where the curry had been kept. About 12pm, the victim took her lunch break and, when she opened the container again, noticed bright-green granules poured on the food. Police said she tasted a small amount and, on experiencing numbness on her tongue, realised something was wrong. She gave it to police, who investigated and found snail pellets containing metaldehyde, a poisonous substance, had been mixed into the food.
Detectives arrested Hunt at a Golden Bay address about seven months later. Her bail was extended during the brief hearing, and she is next due in court on December 17. She has not yet entered a plea to the charge.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Workplace poisoning incidents raise serious concerns about safety and trust among colleagues.
- The case highlights the dangers of metaldehyde, a common but toxic pesticide.
- Legal proceedings will determine intent and potential consequences for such acts.
Background
The alleged poisoning occurred in February 2026 at a business in Oldbury, a suburb of Perth. The victim, a coworker, had brought a curry to share; the accused is said to have added snail pellets from a chemical shed. The victim noticed the contamination and suffered numbness. Police arrested Hunt seven months later.
What to Watch
- Hunt's next court appearance on 17 December 2026, when she may enter a plea.
- Whether further evidence is presented regarding the source of the snail pellets and intent.
- Potential workplace safety reviews following the incident.