‘Out of character’, ‘Embarrassed and ashamed’: Drunk mum bites cop

A former childcare co-ordinator has pleaded guilty to biting a police officer through the skin after a day of drinking, in an offence a Magistrate described as “out of character”.

Amy Maree Gaymer outside the Ipswich courthouse. Picture: Grace Koo

A former childcare co-ordinator has faced a court after she bit a police officer through the skin.

Amy Maree Gaymer, 36, was charged with one count of serious assault of a police officer by biting and one count of assaulting a police officer.

She also faced one count of serious assault – assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer or person acting in aid of a police officer.

The Leichhardt woman pleaded guilty to all offences on Thursday in Ipswich Magistrates Court.

The court heard that the then 35-year-old bit a police officer on the upper left arm on May 21, causing the break to the skin.

The officer was acting in the execution of her duties.

Police prosecutor sergeant Brad Dick said the risk of transferring communicable diseases was “real and recognised”.

“A disease test order was made,” he said.

“I was advised this morning by the subject officer that she had a test almost immediately, which showed clear for at the time HIV and hepatitis.

“However, that was to be followed up in three months’ time.

“She’s still to have that follow up appointment to have the final all clear.

“She’s had to make lifestyle changes … to protect her partner from any possible infection that might have occurred.”

Amy Maree Gaymer outside the Ipswich courthouse. Picture: Grace Koo

The court was told that the defendant was drinking that day and did not remember anything happened before the police arrived.

The mother-of-two felt ashamed and embarrassed that she had been violent the next day.

Magistrate Jason Schubert said the offending was “clearly out of character”.

“The offending clearly was an episode of you having great difficulties regulating your emotions,” he said.

“It’s an appalling act to bite a police officer such as to break the skin.

“Let’s be honest, (police were) just going about doing their job for the safety of the community.”

Mr Schubert sentenced Gaymer to six months’ jail, suspended for 18 months.

A conviction was recorded.