Claudia Joyce Combarngo: Serial offender punches ‘good Samaritan’ in face

A woman with a history of violent offending bungled an attempt to steal a car when she couldn’t drive the manual vehicle, viciously assaulted two people and used a wheelchair to pull of a shoplifting spree.

A serial offender who bungled a car theft due to not being able to drive a manual, punched two people on separate occasions and went on a bizarre stealing spree has faced court once again.

Claudia Joyce Combarngo approached a 47-year-old man outside his home and asked him for a lift on July 11, 2021.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins told Chinchilla Magistrates Court the 24-year-old woman stole the man’s car keys and placed them in her bra before punching him in the face and kicking him in the chest.

The attempt to steal the car was short-lived.

“The car kept bunny hopping as she was unable to drive a manual,” Sergeant Hutchins said.

Earlier in the night Combarngo removed a laptop from the man’s unit and threw it outside, Sergeant Hutchins said.

“It’s quite puzzling, this good Samaritan was willing to help them out and they tried to steal his car.”

The Chinchilla woman got into a “scuffle” with another woman in a separate incident outside the Club Hotel.

“She threw a right-hand punch to the victim’s face (and) the victim sustained a cut to the left eye and is having ongoing medical treatment,” Sergeant Hutchins said.

IN COURT: Witnessing her mother's horrific death, and subsequent reckless behaviour, has led to Claudia Joyce Combarngo fronting court on multiple occasions. Pic: Supplied

Combarngo also pleaded guilty to using a wheelchair and pram to steal items from K-Hub and a pharmacy.

Defence lawyer Brad Skuse blamed alcohol and “poor judgment” for his client’s actions.

“Her father passed away at 15, and her mother was killed in Toowoomba,” Mr Skuse said.

“(Combarngo) was also the victim of the assault that occurred and killed her mum.”

Combarngo, who has previously received jail time for dishonesty offences, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing bodily harm, stealing, three counts of stealing after previous conviction, driving without a licence, unlawful use of a car and breach of bail.

She was sentenced to 12 months’ jail but placed on immediate parole, and banned from driving for two years.

Originally published as Claudia Joyce Combarngo: Serial offender punches ‘good Samaritan’ in face