Drunk Ipswich mum Kayleen Amanda Elwell’s Brisbane Airport threat to federal cop

A “grossly intoxicated” Ipswich mother of four wreaked havoc at Brisbane Airport when she swiped a perfume bottle and threatened to knock a federal officer “the f**k out”.

Kayleen Elwell leaving Ipswich Magistrate's Court of February 14, 2023. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Details of an Ipswich mum’s wild airport meltdown have been revealed in court after she called a federal officer a “dumb dog” and threatened to knock her unconscious.

Raceview bond cleaner Kayleen Amanda Elwell, 32, pleaded guilty in Ipswich Magistrates Court on February 14, 2023, to being drunk in a public place, unauthorised dealing of shop goods, threatening to cause serious harm to a Commonwealth public official, and failing to appear in accordance with an undertaking.

Magistrate Robert Walker said the mum of four was “grossly intoxicated” at Brisbane Airport on December 19, 2022.

The court heard she swiped a bottle of perfume worth $29.99 from the airport pharmacy without paying, and Australian Federal Police officers located Elwell shortly after at the airport terminal.

Mr Walker said the officers had approached Elwell, who appeared unsteady and gave slurred responses.

“Your posture towards the Australian Federal Police officers was described as becoming increasingly hostile and aggressive,” Mr Walker noted.

He said Elwell “feigned as if about to strike” at Constable Charlotte Baker, and then stared her down as she threatened: “I’ll knock you the f**k out you dumb dog”.

Kayleen Elwell leaving Ipswich Magistrate's Court of February 14, 2023. Picture: Nicola McNamara

The court heard the officers then pulled Elwell to the ground and handcuffed her.

Elwell suffered a split lip and bruising to her wrist as a result.

The court heard Elwell was “disgusted” with her behaviour and had apologised to the officer afterwards in her cell.

She later failed to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 24 this year – by her account, because she was sick.

The court heard Elwell had four children between the ages of four and 10, and had a number of health issues.

Mr Walker told Elwell “I hope you have reflected upon your behaviour, having regard to your role as a mother to those children”.

He noted she had a relevant criminal history that included dishonesty and six prior stealing offences.

Elwell received 12 months probation for the failing to appear offence, and was further fined $300 for the being drunk in a public place and unauthorised dealing of shop goods offences.

Convictions were recorded for those three offences.

For the threatening harm offence, Elwell was discharged with recognisance of $500 and conditions that she comply with the 12 month probation order. No convictions were recorded for that offence.