Alleged spitter to be tested for disease

AN ALLEGED violent robber will undergo disease testing after allegedly spitting in the face of a woman and a police watch house officer.

Venita Laura Grace Yungaporta, 37, has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was not taking medication when she allegedly assaulted, robbed and spat at the pair.

Cairns Magistrates Court heard last week she would be tested for diseases as a result of the alleged spitting attacks.

Kelly Goodwyn of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands Legal Service applied in the court for his client to undergo a mental health assessment.

“I do not feel confident proceeding without the assessment,” Mr Goodwyn said.

Ms Yungaporta allegedly punched a woman and spat in her face twice after stealing a bottle of water in Cairns City.

While being processed at the police watch house, it is further alleged that Ms Yungaporta kicked a female officer to the leg and spat in the face of a male watch house officer.

She was charged with one count each of robbery with violence, serious assault, assaulting police, common assault and contravening police orders.

Magistrate Allan Comans adjourned the matters to January 23.

“The assessment will have to look at all the matters,” Mr Comans said.

Ms Yungaporta did not apply for bail and was remanded into custody.