In 1999, Justine was accused of murdering Ruby Collins (Brittany Jones; Sian Tierney), a young child. The "Home and Away" writers scripted the storyline after being inspired by the real trials of Louise Woodward and Louise Sullivan. Desborough told Jason Herbision of "Inside Soap" that she was really excited to read the script and said it was a strong storyline to be working on. Justine decides to take up babysitting as a way of making extra money. She babysits Ruby Collins and notices there are bruises on her rib cage. She confronts Ruby's parents, but they throw her out of the house. Justine is shocked when the police turn up to question her about the child. Desborough explained "The cops arrive and tell Justine the baby is in a coma. They claim that she was in that state when Justine left, which simply isn't true - Justine heard her crying." Justine is taken to the station and changed with assault. Desborough told Annette Dasey of "Inside Soap" that the situation is "terribly frustrating" for Justine as she knows she did not do it.