Two people have been charged with assaulting Police during an attack which began when Officers tipped out alcohol they were allegedly consuming on a public oval in Malak on Wednesday.

The Officer in Charge of the Serious Crime Squad, Graeme Wheeler, said Police yesterday charged a 39-year-woman and an 18-year-old man with a number of offences, including assaulting Police and disorderly behaviour.

“The pair were charged with assaulting Officers after they were allegedly set upon during an incident which began when Police, who were patrolling the area, noticed a group of about 10 people drinking on the Malak Oval and tipped out their alcohol,” Detecting Acting Senior Sergeant Wheeler said.

“After Police arrested the woman for disorderly behaviour, the group became angry and allegedly began attacking Police.

“A female Officer had her shirt ripped off, suffered a blood nose and scratches to her face after she was allegedly punched a number of times, while another Officer was allegedly struck several times with a large stick.  He suffered cuts and bruising to his arms and upper body.

“Both Officers were treated at Royal Darwin Hospital for their injuries.”

The woman was charged with:

Disorderly behaviour;

Resist Police;

Escape lawful custody, and;

Assault Police causing harm.

The man was charged with:

Engage in violent conduct;

Aggravated Assault, and;

Assault Police causing harm.

The woman was refused bail and will appear in the Darwin Magistrates Court on 4 May.

The man was bailed to appear on 17 May.

One other man has been summonsed to appear on similar charges at a later date.

“The Officers involved were lucky not to have suffered more serious injuries,” Detecting Acting Senior Sergeant Wheeler said.

“It is totally unacceptable to the community and Police for Officers to be attacked when doing their job.”

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