The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces two charges of common assault and three charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Legal argument in the case began in the Wollongong District Court yesterday in front of Judge David Frearson.

The prosecution is alleging that the assaults occurred between February 1, 2005, and October 12, 2008, when Louise is believed to have died after a hammer thrown at her by another woman struck her in the head.

The trial proper is expected to begin today.