‘Savage’ attack on stranger

AN ADMIN worker who grabbed a stranger by the hair and punched her in the face has avoided a conviction being recorded against her.

Police officers initially charged Penny Louise Conway, 25, with assault occasioning bodily harm over the fracas at Broadbeach Waters.

But yesterday in Southport Magistrates Court, the prosecution dropped the more serious allegation after negotiations with Conway’s defence.

Conway ultimately pleaded guilty to affray about 9pm on October 28 last year at Broadbeach Waters.

Prosecutor Chris Freeman said the women had been involved in a “verbal altercation”, but there was conflicting versions over what was said and why.

He said the victim had then been walking towards the intersection of Sunshine and Hooker boulevards when an “unknown woman” (now known to be Conway) “exited the passenger side” of a car.

Mr Freeman told the court the “altercation escalated”.

Magistrate John Constanzo said Conway “acted like some savage”, but he considered an early plea, references and that the offending was “out of character”. Conway was fined $1500 and no conviction was recorded.