Leniency in police spit case

NEWS

A PORMPURAAW woman who spat on a police officer while in custody has been spared a lengthy jail sentence so she can continue rehabilitation for alcohol abuse and reconnect with her child.

Roberta Ruth Charlie was charged with serious assault on May 14, 2017 after spitting on the eyes and face of Sergeant Emma McCallum at Pormpuraaw police station while drunk.

The 37-year-old, who has a lengthy criminal history but had kept a clean record for four years before last year’s incident, claimed Sergeant McCallum triggered strong feelings of grief.

She had last seen the police officer when Sergeant McCallum had been dealing with Ms Charlie’s partner who had died four months before the episode.

District judge Tracy Fantin said she took into account Ms Charlie’s “serious and successful steps” in reconnecting with her six-year-old son and undergoing counselling when she sentenced her to 11 months in prison with eligibility for parole after two months.

However, she described Ms Charlie’s act as “disgusting”.

“Since you returned to the community in January 2018 there has been no sign of any relapse by you,” she said.

“It is significant you have now at a mature age taken steps to address your alcohol abuse and terrible violence that was associated with it.

“It is clear that a mature offender such as you with a serious criminal history for like offending, an offence of this kind has to attract a period of time in actual custody given the deliberate nature of the offence. And that is, unfortunately for you, despite the really significant steps you’ve taken towards rehabilitation.”