Ashley Woodbridge sentenced for affray after Dubbo brawl

One of two feuding ladies who sparked a brawl in Dubbo has been sentenced after a video of the incident was watched by more than 14,000 people on Facebook.

Police believe simmering tensions sparked by an ongoing feud between two women were the catalyst for a violent brawl in Dubbo which went viral on social media.

In Dubbo Local Court, Ashley Woodbridge pleaded guilty to one count of affray, related to her involvement in the brawl which occurred on Alcheringa Street at about 7pm on February 16.

A still from the brawl video posted to Facebook. Picture: Facebook/Missy Moo

In court documents, police said the 32-year-old had an extensive criminal history and was caught on camera acting in a violent manner which went “well beyond self defence”.

The brawl started after a woman and her daughter, who Woodbridge had been feuding with for several months, drove out of the driveway of an Alcheringa Stret home.

According to police, a crowd of males were standing on the corner of Alcheringa and Illoura Street when the mother drove the vehicle at high speeds towards the group.

Members of the group threw various items at the vehicle, smashed windows and caused extensive damage.

When the mother stopped the vehicle after repeatedly driving at the group, police said a larger group of women and men converged on the vehicle.

The mother got out of the vehicle and a “heated verbal exchange” with Woodbridge took place, police said.

A car involved in the brawl. Picture: Facebook/Missy Moo

After another woman got involved and punched the mother, the pair ended up on the ground kicking and hitting each other.

When the daughter got out of the vehicle, police said Woodbridge pulled her hair and punched her nine times.

A man intervened to break up the fight and numerous other people started laying into each other as bystanders watched with golf clubs, hammers and poles in their hands.

Police said a video of the brawl was posted to Facebook and viewed more than 14,000 times before it was pulled.

Woodbridge handed herself in to police the next day and made full admissions.

Police seized her phone and found a text message to another woman on it which read “Baby girl I am soo (sic) f*****g proud of u for jumping on for sis aya love you.”

The recipient replied saying “Proud of you my cousin love you”.

Woodbrige was refused bail when she initially appeared in court.

After almost three months remanded in custody Woodbridge was sentenced on May 12.

Magistrate Theresa Hamilton convicted Woodbridge and sentenced her to 10 months jail with a three-month non parole period.

She was released on May 16.

Up to 20 people were reportedly involved in the brawl.

Several other women’s cases remain before the courts.