Helenor Clancy: Petty reason woman attacked police on Ipswich bus

A woman has been slammed as a “risk to the community” after attacking three police officers on an Ipswich bus for one petty reason.

Exterior picture of the Ipswich Court house Ipswich Friday 28th October 2022 Picture David Clark

A woman who attacked three police officers while drunk on an Ipswich bus for a petty reason has been blasted in court as a “continued risk to the community”.

Helenor Clancy, 33, appeared before the Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 22, pleading guilty to three counts of serious assault of police among more than 30 offences.

The court heard police were called to respond to the “highly intoxicated” Inala woman behaving erratically on a bus in Goodna about 4.20pm on April 21.

Police prosecutor Jonathon Waddington said Clancy became hostile after an officer attempted to take away the alcohol she was holding.

“She struck him on the nose with a closed fist,” he said.

“He immediately recoiled and stumbled back in pain.”

Clancy then attacked two other officers, scratching one in the face with her “manicured nails” and attempting to bite the other before she was subdued.

Mr Waddington called on the court to impose a significant period of custody to reflect the “seriousness” of assaulting police officers.

Her lawyer, Matt Gemmell, told the court Clancy had suffered a panic attack on the bus after recently losing her mother.

“I’ve seen the footage, they are clearly serious assaults,” he said.

“But it‘s telling of someone who is affected by intoxicating substances and a backdrop of psychological stress.

“Respectfully, I submit she should be released immediately to access the mental health and community services she desperately needs.”

Clancy was given an 18-month term of imprisonment by Magistrate Jason Schubert who took into account her difficult upbringing and psychological state.

“I’ve read your history, it doesn‘t make for pleasant reading,” he said.

“I need a sentence to stop you committing these offences… that protects the community including the police when they’re just doing their role.”

She will be eligible for parole from December 5 after spending 147 days in custody prior to sentencing.