Union fury over cop’s assault

THE Far North’s police union representative has slammed the alleged actions of two women outside a Cairns pub which left a police woman in hospital.

It is alleged the pair, aged 47 and 39, set on the female constable outside the Grand Hotel on Shields St about 5.30pm on Sunday, punched her in the head and gouged her face.

Police had been called to the scene after the women’s 28-year-old male companion had allegedly become aggressive with security officers after being refused entry.

It is alleged he wrestled with the bouncers and the two women also became involved.

He was arrested, but the female officer was allegedly surrounded by several people with the two women attacking her.

Far North police union rep Sgt Marty Bristow said it continued a shocking record of police assaults in the region.

“This was allegedly an unprovoked assault,” he said.

The officer suffered facial injuries and bruising and was treated at hospital. She returned later to finish her shift.

The two women have been charged with one count each of serious assault police causing bodily harm, while the man was charged with one count each of public nuisance and assault occasioning bodily harm.

They are due to appear in court on October 11 and have been banned from the Cairns CBD for three months.