Charlestown: Jozy Ann Hurley allegedly slapped, punched and spat on workers in supermarket
Police allege a 52-year-old Edgeworth woman verbally abused and threatened a 46-year-old man working at a Charlestown supermarket before punching him in the chest and spitting in his face. It also alleged she slapped a security guard.
The Newcastle News
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An Edgeworth woman allegedly assaulted two supermarket employees at a Lake Macquarie shopping centre on Tuesday.
Jozy Ann Hurley, 52, pleaded guilty to one charge of common assault but pleaded not guilty to the other charge of common assault at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday.
Just after 5pm, police were called to a Coles supermarket inside Charlestown Square following reports a customer was becoming aggressive towards staff members.
Officers were told the woman was banned from the store after a verbal altercation with staff at the weekend and was asked to leave as per the banning notice.
Police allege Ms Hurley verbally abused and threatened the Coles duty manager — a 46-year-old man — before punching him in the chest and spitting in his face.
A 33-year-old male security guard intercepted the woman before she allegedly verbally abused and slapped him.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police arrived a short time later and arrested the woman.
Appearing in court via AVL, Ms Hurley whispered during the proceedings, “He hit me. That’s not fair”.
Her solicitor made an application for bail but Magistrate David Price said before he made any decision, he wanted to see available CCTV footage.
He told the court the alleged incident wasn’t particularly heinous but was inexcusable in times like these.
“This is a serious incident in this environment. I have concern with this conduct,” he said.
“Someone who spits in someone’s face could have full time prisonment in a pandemic.
“Ordinarily I would grant bail.
“I need to see how she has projected the salvia, is it a reckless or negligent act? In this climate it is important to distinguish.”
The bail application was withdraw and Ms Hurley’s matter adjourned.