Cooper Christine Corbett fined for assault, public nuisance at Rockhampton Hospital

Alcohol has been a “huge factor” in a young woman’s woes after she tried to break up a road rage street fight and fled police in dramatic fashion, a court has heard.

Cooper Christine Corbett, 22, pleaded guilty to one count each of common assault and obstruct police along with two public nuisance charges.

A young woman who tried to break up a street fight ended up being charged with assault herself.

Cooper Christine Corbett, 22, was a passenger in a car on July 22, 2023, when the driver became involved in a road rage incident, Rockhampton Magistrates Court heard on February 20.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Darrell Dalton said the driver had thrown cans out the car window, striking the car following closely behind.

He said people from the other vehicle called out to Corbett and her driver to pull over, which they did.

Corbett’s driver exited their vehicle and approached the victim’s vehicle and a fight broke out.

“The defendant tried to break up the fight between the victim and the driver,” Sgt Dalton said.

“The passenger of the victim vehicle then came towards the defendant.

“The defendant has restrained the passenger and pushed her to the ground and yelled at everyone to get back in their cars.”

Corbett did not throw any punches.

Sgt Dalton said Corbett also committed a public nuisance offence on October 31 when police were at her house in relation to another matter.

He said she became agitated and yelling loudly, causing an occupant to leave the house to get away from her.

Corbett continued yelling, was removed from the dwelling to the street by police where she continued to swear loudly, calling a particular person derogatory names.

She was taken to Rockhampton Hospital for an examination.

Sgt Dalton said Corbett managed to squeeze through a small gap between two fences and then walked away from officers.

The officers had to climb the fence to chase after her and when they caught up with her, she argued with police and an innocent bystander had to push Corbett out of the way to stop her from walking into another patient.

She was arrested and taken to the watch house.

Defence lawyer Samantha Legrady said Corbett was supported in court by her mother.

She said the Yeppoon State High Year 12 graduate worked as a traffic controller.

“Alcohol, unfortunately, has been a huge factor,” Ms Legrady said.

She said Corbett was intoxicated at the time of the offences, but does not use this as an excuse for her behaviour.

“There was no intent to cause anyone harm,” Ms Legrady said.

Ms Legrady said Corbett had attended three online appointments with a rehabilitation centre and plans to continue her rehabilitation path.

Corbett pleaded guilty to one count each of common assault and obstruct police along with two public nuisance charges.

She was fined $1100 and no convictions were recorded.