Helen Delaney: Woman made infamous in viral video clashes with Nowra District Court

A woman who went viral after footage of her dramatic arrest surfaced has clashed with a judge as she fights to overturn a slew of convictions.

A woman made infamous after footage of her dramatic arrest went viral has clashed with a judge in an attempt to appeal multiple convictions.

Helen Delaney, 54, made headlines in early 2023 when footage of her resisting police during a traffic stop went viral.

In the video, she told an officer he had no jurisdiction over her and insisted she was “travelling” not driving, prompting the police to smash her car window and drag her out.

She was charged with a string of offences, including driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, refusing to provide ID, and failing to submit to a breath test.

Days later, she was granted conditional bail, but banned from driving and ordered to comply with several AVOs.

South Coast Police District released an image of Helen Delaney in 2023. Picture: NSW Police

Delaney, self-represented in Nowra District Court on Thursday, was expecting to appeal convictions on four counts of stalking and intimidation, four counts of failing to appear on bail, and 12 counts of breaching an apprehended violence order (AVO).

The woman was arrested by South Coast police in 2023 for outstanding warrants and had pleaded not guilty, but was convicted on all charges during a self represented hearing in January this year.

Helen Delaney appeared in Nowra District Court. Picture: John Appleyard

She was sentenced to nine months in full-time custody with a non-parole period of four months, but has already been released.

In court on Thursday, Delaney – who appeared via video link – voiced frustration that her appeal had not yet begun.

“All I’m getting is adjournment after adjournment,” she told Judge Christopher O’Brien.

“Yes, well, that’s what happens in a busy court,” he replied.

The officer smashes the car window in the viral video. Picture: Supplied

Delaney was also barred from entering six NSW towns.

On July 4, 2023, South Coast Police District issued a public appeal for Delaney’s whereabouts, posting a headshot and stating she was “wanted in relation to a number of outstanding arrest warrants”.

She was eventually located and brought before Nowra Local Court, where she pleaded not guilty to all offences, leading to her 2025 hearing and subsequential convictions, which she is now fighting to appeal.

Back in Nowra District Court on Thursday, Delaney questioned Judge O’Brien about when she could “finally” plead her case.

“I have a lot of evidence,” she said.

“There will be a time when you get to say what you want to say,” Judge O’Brien responded.

Delaney’s case was adjourned again, this time to May 22, where an appeal date will be set.

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