Mother’s assault against officers

An angry woman who took exception to being arrested assaulted two constables by kicking one and spitting at the other, a court heard.

Lucy Caroline Nepia’s aggression was on display at a Denby St address in Ha¯wera on November 23, the Ha¯ wera District Court was told.

The police summary of facts said when two constables arrived at the house about 9.50pm, they were met with a chaotic scene.

Outdoor furniture and other items were strewn across the front lawn and Nepia could be heard yelling from inside the house.

Nepia’s partner came out and spoke to officers. Nepia soon followed and when she saw police she screamed at them.

‘‘Police attempted to calm her down; however she continued to yell out obscenities in the front yard,’’ the summary of facts stated.

Nepia’s children could also be heard crying and screaming from inside the address.

The 28-year-old then asked her partner for a cigarette.

After he handed her the packet, she took a smoke out then threw it back, hitting the man in the face.

Nepia was then arrested for disorderly behaviour.

After she was placed in handcuffs, she kicked one of the constables in the shin.

Nepia continued to yell abuse at the officers as they made their way to the car and as they tried to talk to her. She then spat at the other constable’s face, with the saliva landing on his right cheek, as well as on his chest.

Nepia was restrained by police and taken to the station.

Yesterday she pleaded guilty to two assaults on police and a charge of disorderly behaviour.

Lawyer Kelly Marriner said Nepia was willing to get help to address her anger.

Judge Chris Sygrove said he took a ‘‘dim view’’ of police officers being targeted and asked for a presentence report.

Nepia will re-appear for sentencing on January 16.

- Deena Coster