Dalby woman who groped an officer, sprayed blood at cop sentenced in District Court

A Dalby woman who sexually assaulted an officer before spraying another police officer in the face with blood has read a handwritten letter of apology in court. See what she had to say.

Kezia Caroline Lawton was sentenced in Dalby District Court for the sexual and serious assault of two police officers. Picture: Facebook

A woman who went on a chaotic rampage that involved her groping one police officer and spraying blood in the face of another has read an apology letter out in Dalby District Court while being sentenced.

Crown prosecutor Natalie Lima said Kezia Caroline Lawton, who appeared before court by video link on March 16, began the disturbing string of offences when police were called to a disturbance.

The court was told on August 11, 2022, police attended the Gallery Motel in Dalby when the 35-year-old woman approached them screaming in the carpark.

“She was intoxicated and arrested for public nuisance but resisted police saying she did nothing wrong,” Ms Lima said.

The court was told that after she was taken to the Dalby police station Lawton approached one of the officers smiling before grabbing his crotch over the top of his clothes.

“(Lawton) continued to be aggressive and shaped up to officers,” Ms Lima said.

When the second police officer asked if she had anything in her pocket she replied no before looking down at her hand, which was covered in blood, and flicked it at the officer’s face where blood landed in his mouth.

Defence barrister Frank Martin said Lawton, who committed the offences while on probation, had spent 70 days in pre-sentence custody and told the court the she had prepared an apology letter to read aloud.

Lawton apologised to the judge and to the police officers for her actions.

“My behaviour was out of line, inhumane and appalling,” she said.

“I want to apologise for my behaviour. I hope I get that opportunity to do it in person upon my release.

“I know it would’ve been traumatic to endure.”

The court was told the woman had experienced a difficult upbringing that included consuming alcohol and taking drugs at a very early age.

Judge Dennis Lynch said it was “fortunate” the police officer who was sprayed with blood did not contract a disease.

Lawton pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault, serious assault of a police officer, being intoxicated in a public place, public nuisance and two counts of obstructing police.

She was sentenced to 18 months’ jail with a parole release date of April 30, 2023 with 70 days of pre-sentence custody declared as time served.

She was also sentenced to 40 hours community service.

Originally published as Dalby woman who groped an officer, sprayed blood at cop sentenced in District Court