Caitlyn Kear sentenced for assaulting police after a night out at Dog and Duck
A reveller who behaved in an “appalling manner” has little memory of kicking and spitting on police officers after she was evicted from a nightclub, a court heard.
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A woman who kicked and spat on officers outside a city nightclub has little memory of the incident.
Caitlyn Jade Kear, 20, is “embarrassed and ashamed” by her actions after a boozy night out ended in her arrest.
Kear was at the Dog and Duck nightclub in the early hours of May 9, 2021, a police prosecutor told the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
A security guard approached police on Hindley Street.
“He stated the defendant had spat in his face after he had evicted her,” the prosecutor said.
Kear, who refused to co-operate with officers, was arrested and placed in the back of a police car.
“She became aggressive and kicked the right hip of a police officer,” the prosecutor said.
Kear was taken to the city watch house and escorted to a padded cell.
During the escort, Kear spat at police multiple times and on one occasion her saliva made contact with an officer’s right thigh.
The court heard Kear had also breached her bail conditions not to consume drugs or alcohol by testing positive to marijuana twice.
Kear, of Aldinga Beach, pleaded guilty in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday to multiple counts, including assaulting police.
Sarah Willis, for Kear, told the court she had been drinking on a night out with her partner when she was evicted from the club.
“Her memory of what happened after that is very limited,” she said.
“She remembers being fearful and feeling trapped but doesn’t actually remember spitting or kicking the police officers.”
Ms Willis said Kear, who suffers from borderline personality disorder, is “incredibly embarrassed and ashamed” by her actions.
“In the cold light of day she can see that police were only trying to do their job and she behaved in an appalling manner,” she said.
Ms Willis said Kear, who was a heavy marijuana user, had done her best to cut down on her usage.
The court heard Kear, who is currently seeking help for her mental health, works full time as a receptionist at a chiropractic centre.
Magistrate Roderick Jensen said police officers needed to be protected while at work.
“They need to go about their business without being hindered or assaulted in the course of their duties,” he said.
Mr Jensen encouraged Kear to continue receiving support for her mental health issues.
He sentenced her to a 12-month, $500 good behaviour bond, with supervision.
Convictions were recorded.
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