Racheal Melinda Cronin sentenced after assaulting police officer

A woman who has a history of alcohol and drug abuse claims she hasn’t had a drink since she assaulted a police officer who was trying to help her.

Racheal Melinda Cronin.

A Mount Morgan woman who has a history of alcohol and drug abuse claims she hasn’t had a drink since she was intoxicated and assaulted a police officer who was trying to help her.

Racheal Melinda Cronin, 49, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on January 20 to one count of serious assault police officer.

Police prosecutor David Longhurst said police were called to Ms Cronin’s residence in Mount Morgan on September 23, 2022 at 9.20pm to assist her and that she was intoxicated and aggressive towards police and ambulance workers.

Mr Longhurst said Ms Cronin had agreed to go to the hospital and that a police officer followed her to her bedroom while she grabbed her handbag.

He said Ms Cronin attempted to close her bedroom door and isolate herself and repeatedly swore at the officer and kicked the officer in the stomach, causing some pain.

Defence lawyer David Mills said his client, who had a three-page criminal record, suffered from borderline personality disorder and had a history of alcohol and drug abuse.

“She wasn’t vindictively going out to assault a police officer,” Mr Mills said.

“She doesn’t recall the event.”

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale said Ms Cronin “cannot be someone that drinks” due to her physical and mental health conditions.

Ms Cronin responded that she had not had a drink since that night.

She was sentenced to prison for two months, wholly suspended for 12 months.

A criminal conviction was recorded.