NT police officer assaulted and spat on three times by female passenger

A MUTITJULU Police officer was allegedly assaulted and spat on by a woman while conducting a traffic apprehension on Yulara Dr. The alleged incident has been condemned by the NT Police Association, who are calling for the Government to toughen penalties around assaulting an officer. Police said the passenger became highly agitated, appeared intoxicated, and began behaving in a disorderly manner about 9pm Monday. Tourist who extended NT trip to watch Finke Desert Race was tragic crash victim Probe into ICAC’s internal contract deal NT Government pledges action over ICAC corruption findings Police proceeded to arrest the woman for disorderly conduct in a public place. As she was being put into the vehicle, police said the woman allegedly grabbed the officer’s thumb and began extending it backwards. The officer managed to restrain the woman and handcuffed her, at which point police said she allegedly spat on the officer – including in his eye – three times and began yelling profanities. Police said any assault can be a stressful event, as can being spat on. Police said assaulting a police officer was always unacceptable, and it was disappointing an incident like this occurred while officers were performing their duties. NTPA president Paul McCue said the alleged incident was a “vile and disgusting attack”. “Every day, our members put their body on the line to protect us all,” Mr McCue said. “The government continues to sit on its hands on increases to the sentencing provisions in the Act, which must have a stronger deterrent for offenders who assault our police members. “We have repeatedly asked the government to take action on this issue and they continue to sit on their hands.” lee.robinson@news.com.au Twitter follow Lee Robinson NAT – Stay Informed – Social Media