CCTV captures women in violent punch-up at Biloela Courthouse

A mother of six who instigated a violent fight in front of a crowded courthouse has pleaded guilty to a string of charges including public nuisance, stealing and assaulting two police officers.

A mother of six who instigated a violent punch-up with another woman at the front of Biloela Courthouse with a crowd present, has faced the same court to receive her penalty.

At 10.05am on October 13, a day Biloela Magistrates Court was operating, Saraphean Dulcie Tittum, 31, was standing near the entrance to the building when she became involved in an altercation with Chantelle Honeycombe.

Many other people were present, both outside and inside the building, as the court in the rural town only sits twice a month and this day was one of them.

While there were obviously numerous witnesses to what unfolded, the dramatic events were also captured on CCTV footage which monitors the court precinct.

That footage showed Tittum walk “straight up” to Ms Honeycombe and swing punches at her before other people stepped in to stop the fight.

Police were called to attend but even after numerous officers arrived at the courthouse, Tittum continued to make threats to assault Ms Honeycombe.

A court has heard Tittum’s motive was a belief that Ms Honeycombe had wronged her brother.

No action was taken in relation to Tittum on the day as she was due to appear in court and police officers had peace restored quickly.

Saraphean Dulcie Tittum leaves Biloela Courthouse.

Five days later, police arrested Tittum on other matters and charged her with public nuisance in relation to the incident which occurred outside the courthouse.

A court has heard that Tittum admitted to police that she had made threats towards Ms Honeycombe, saying she was “angry at Honeycombe for taking advantage of her brother”.

Despite what Tittum claimed, her brother had not made any complaint to police about Ms Honeycombe, and Tittum was the only person charged in relation to the courthouse disturbance.

Ms Honeycombe did not make an assault complaint against Tittum after the incident.

Chantelle Honeycombe (left) and Saraphean Dulcie Tittum (right).

In Biloela Magistrates Court on November 10, Tittum pleaded guilty to the public nuisance charge.

She also pleaded guilty to other charges which stemmed from different incidents, including stealing, failing to leave a licensed premises as required, obstructing police, and two counts of assaulting police.

The stealing and failing to leave offences related to an incident which happened at Rockhampton’s Berserker Tavern on the afternoon of December 18, 2020.

About 2.50pm, Tittum was playing the poker machines at the venue when another patron nearby placed a “reserved sign” over the screen of their machine.

Police said that Tittum then moved from the poker machine she was on, to the other patron’s machine and despite the reserved sign, played it until the entire $47 credit was gone.

Police said Tittum became abusive after being confronted by the other patron.

Tittum wasplaying the poker machines when the confrontation happened.

Staff members approached Tittum and asked her to leave the venue, but she refused.

Police said Tittum repeatedly swore at the other patron and staff members.

Tittum was again asked to leave and a staffer warned that police would be called.

The court heard that Tittum continued to swear, said she was not leaving and that she would wait for the police.

When police arrived, Tittum was standing inside the entrance to the gaming room.

The obstruct police and assault police (x2) charges stemmed from an incident that police were called to attend at Biloela on October 16.

The court heard that when police arrived at the scene, Tittum was screaming abuse towards another person.

Police attempted to restrain her but she “thrashed about” and continued to scream abuse at the other person.

Police said Tittum kicked one of the officers in the left shin before kicking him in the chest, and she kicked a second officer in the left knee.

Apart from suffering pain, the officers were not injured.

At the time, Tittum was intoxicated and due to her state, paramedics assessed her and administered her with medication to calm her down.

She was taken to hospital.

The court heard that Tittum had a six-page criminal history.

Her solicitor said Tittum, a mother of six, had herself grown up with “significant disadvantages” as her mother, now deceased, was an alcoholic.

He said Tittum was only educated to Year 9 and had not gained any qualifications since then.

She had commenced courses in childcare and hospitality but had not completed them.

The solicitor said Tittum had a desire to go to Western Australia, where she had family, for a fresh start.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale gave Tittum some advice.

“Just remember you take your issues and possibly your problems with alcohol and drugs with you,” Ms Beckinsale said.

“So escaping and changing your geography without changing your mindset, isn’t necessarily going to be a flick of the switch.”

Ms Beckinsale sentenced Tittum to two months’ jail, wholly suspended for 12 months.

She also fined Tittum $600. No restitution was sought.

Originally published as CCTV captures women in violent punch-up at Biloela Courthouse