Tahnaya Clarke spared conviction for attacking police officer on New Year’s Eve in Glenelg

The moment a “neglected” teenager attacked a police officer during New Year's Eve celebrations in Glenelg has been caught on camera. See the shocking video here.

A woman who attacked a police officer during New Year’s Eve celebrations – pulling her hair and scratching her neck – has been spared a conviction. 

Tahnaya Dawn Clarke, 20, of Warradale appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday to be sentenced for a charge of fighting and assaulting a police officer.

A police prosecutor told the court a female officer went to break up a “general scuffle” involving Ms Clarke and two others at Moseley Sq, Glenelg, early on New Year’s Day 2021 when Clarke reacted.

“The defendant pushed the officer in the chest and appeared to have, in a grabbing motion, scratched her neck and ear and grabbed the officer’s hair,” the prosecutor said.

The court heard she had just turned 18 and was “significantly intoxicated” by drugs and alcohol at the time.

A teenage girl who assaulted a female police officer during New Year's celebrations at Glenelg has escaped a jail term. The magistrate took into account her traumatic childhood and released her on a good behaviour bond. Details in 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm. @DeeWilliams7#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/xkRsDlxlRD

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) June 19, 2023

He said Clarke was then taken to the ground and arrested, spending two days in custody before she was released on bail.

The incident was filmed, and vision of the incident emerged in the following days.

Defence lawyer Tim Clarke, for Ms Clarke, said his client had become involved in the scuffle after her friend, had rejected the advances of a man who responded by calling Ms Clarke and her friend names like “slut” and “whore”.

Tahnaya Clarke attacked a police officer trying to break up a fight on NYE at Glenelg. Picture: Social Media

He said she had endured a difficult childhood, had “unresolved childhood trauma” which had led to a diagnosis of complex post traumatic stress disorder.

He said a psychologist had found the diagnosis had an effect on Clarke at the time because she was in a “heightened state of emotionality” at the time. He said her response was to “flight or fight or freeze reflex” causing her to react in the way she did towards the officer.

He said the incident was a “one-off” and asked the court to consider her “extreme” remorse, young age – she had just turned 18 at the time – and lack of other offending into account in sentencing.

Tahnaya Clarke attacked a police Officer trying to break up a fight on NYE at Glenelg . Picture: 7NEWS

Tahnaya Clarke attacked a police Officer trying to break up a fight on NYE at Glenelg . Picture: 7NEWS

In sentencing, Magistrate John Wells said Clarke’s behaviour was “unnecessary” and had placed the female police officer in jeopardy.

“Police expect a level of danger in their work but they should not be exposed to violence in this way,” he said.

“The police officer involved was simply trying to break up a fight and calm you down.”

He said such violence “cannot be tolerated”, but noted Ms Clarke’s traumatic, neglectful, unstable and dysfunctional upbringing which had led to addictions and significant mental health problems.

“Your PTSD had direct relevance to the offending … which helps me understand your behaviour,” he said.

“This was a one-off.”

He did not impose a conviction, but placed Ms Clarke on an 18-month bond which includes 12-months of supervision.

“I hope the bond enables you to get the help you need and to move … into a more positive future.”