Deborah Forrest, Jasmine Forrest: Mum-daughter duo in court for fighting police

A 20-year-old aspiring nurse and her mum, whom she cares for, have both fronted court for fighting police officers.

A mother and daughter have appeared before an Ipswich court after launching at two police officers, with one of the women explaining her actions were influenced by the 2020 death of George Floyd.

Ipswich mum Deborah Forrest, 56, and her daughter Jasmine Forrest, 20, fronted Ipswich Magistrates Court on Wednesday April 20, where they both pleaded guilty to obstructing a police officer.

The court heard the charges related to an incident which occurred on January 20 this year at Redbank Plains.

On that day, about 1pm, police from Springfield station attended a residential address following reports of a disturbance.

The prosecution said a resident of the home, Deborah’s son and Jasmine’s brother, became uncooperative and non-compliant when speaking with police and was arrested for obstructing them.

The court heard a “violent struggle” ensued between the man and a senior constable who was trying to arrest him.

Jasmine, an aspiring nurse, became involved and attempted to pull the police officer from her brother and prevent the arrest. Deborah tried to pull a second police officer from her son.

Defence lawyer Ashley Ulyatt told the court that this was an isolated incident and neither woman had a relevant criminal history.

“Miss Deborah Forrest said that after seeing all the footage around George Floyd and his death she was quite startled and reacted poorly to police officers arresting her son,” Ms Ulyatt said.

She said both women had told her they were very “protective” of their relative.

Magistrate Grace Kahlert acknowledged the behaviour did seem to be “out of character” for both women.

Ms Kahlert told Jasmine it was particularly important she stay out of trouble, given her career goals.

Both women were placed on a six-month $300 good behaviour bond.

No convictions were recorded.