Ashleigh Meagan Lawton: Chinchilla woman pleads guilty to serious assault of police on Mayne Street

A Western Downs police officer who was trying to arrest a wanted person was surrounded by a mob of aggressive bystanders when the woman suddenly unleashed her violent assault.

VIA VIDEOLINK: Ashleigh Meagan Lawton faced Dalby Magistrates Court on August 3. Picture: Facebook

A woman was back behind bars after she punched a Chinchilla policeman in the face while he was surrounded by a mob of abusive bystanders.

Dalby Magistrates Court was told police attended a Mayne Street address to arrest a wanted person, rousing the ire of Ashleigh Meagan Lawton.

Police prosecutor Derek Brady said the wanted person “violently resisted arrest”, which forced them and the arresting officer to the ground.

Sergeant Brady said police found themselves surrounded by aggressive onlookers who were swearing and yelling at them during the arrest.

Lawton then punched the officer in the cheek with a semi-closed fist, the court heard.

Ashleigh Meagan Lawton. Picture: Facebook

The 34-year-old woman had to be held back by those around her while police eventually made the arrest and left the scene.

Sergeant Brady said Lawton had been in custody since her arrest on June 30, and had committed the assault on parole for previous offences, including obstructing police, public nuisance and drug charges.

Defence solicitor Jessica Hine said the 34-year-old mum was upset at the time because the person being arrested was a close family friend.

Lawton pleaded guilty to serious assault on police and was sentenced to six months’ jail, which was wholly suspended for 12 months.

Originally published as Ashleigh Meagan Lawton: Chinchilla woman pleads guilty to serious assault of police on Mayne Street