Hastings woman jailed for spitting at officer

A Hastings woman has been sentenced to six months and two weeks jail for spitting in the face of a police officer during an arrest a judge described as “another” sign of effects of methamphetamine use.

Gemma Maree Kimberly Thompson, 31, was appearing via audio link from jail, as Judge Geoff Rea imposed the sentence in Napier District Court.

She had admitted three charges of assaulting police, one of resisting police, one of driving while disqualified, one of failing to stop for police and one of breaching conditions of a community sentence, in which she cut off an electronic bracelet and absconded.

Defence lawyer Will Hawkins said Thompson had been a good performing member of the community from a good family until she started using methamphetamine.

He said that, after a couple of tragedies, her life spiralled downwards and, along with other consequences, she burnt her bridges with family.

“Sadly, it’s quite a common occurrence in our country.”

The assaults followed her apprehension on March 2 at a Ministry of Social Development office, to which police had been called by staff who recognised she was wanted on a warrant to arrest.

She struggled when first confronted, kneeing an officer in the stomach, and later spat in the face of an officer when taken to a police vehicle and again when being placed in a police cell.

Hawkins told the court she had apologised and that it was an “ugly incident” and “disgraceful”.

The officer was not hurt but had to be tested for possible infection.