Woman claiming to be infected spits on police officer multiple times
A woman has allegedly spat on a police officer while being arrested, after she claimed she could possibly have COVID-19.
Just after 5 pm on Friday March 27, Traffic and Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop an Audi in Greenacre, NSW, which subsequently engaged them in a chase, exceeding speeds of 120km/h in a 50km/h zone.
The 25-year-old female driver was arrested; however, she refused orders from the police when asked to step out of the vehicle. She then resisted arrest, and repeatedly spat and coughed on the officer.
The officer then physically restrained her on the ground.
Police revealed that the woman in question was not displaying any symptoms, but as a precaution the officer has undergone COVID-19 testing.
She was granted bail by Parramatta Local Court on Saturday 28 March.
Attorney General Mark Speakman has condemned the “despicable act” in a statement to 2GB's Ray Hadley on his national radio programme.
“While a decision to appeal this bail decision is one for the NSW Police Force and the Officer of the Director of Public Prosecutions, I have ordered a transcript of the bail proceedings which I will review,” said Speakman.
Hadley slammed the woman, and argued the decision to grant bail is inappropriate in such a disturbing case. “The only place for her based on her behaviour, until she appears before another court, is a small cell somewhere, hopefully with a spittle mask on so she can’t spit on anyone else!”
Attorney General Mark Speakman’s full statement:
“While I’m anxious not to pre-judge a particular case before the court, spitting at our hardworking and dedicated police and emergency services personnel at any time is a despicable act and a potentially very dangerous assault.
“During the COVID-19 crisis, the risk and danger is particularly heightened.
“While a decision to appeal this bail decision is one for the NSW Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, I have ordered a transcript of the bail proceedings which I will review.
“Any further comment while this matter remains before the court would be inappropriate.”