Qld jockey, Sariah Champkin, guilty of wild roomie catfight makes ‘urgent’ appeal

A regional Queensland jockey found guilty of assault during a wild altercation with a roommate is seeking an “urgent” appeal against her conviction.

The court was told the fight started after Champkin suspected her roommate had stolen money from her. Picture: FILE

An up-and-coming Darling Downs jockey found guilty of assault occasioning bodily harm has lodged an appeal against the Queensland Police Service.

Sariah Skye Champkin, 23, pleaded not guilty to the charge during a trial before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

She was convicted on July 29.

A day later, Champkin’s lawyers filed for an appeal, which was mentioned in Toowoomba District Court on August 7.

Solicitor Joe McConnell told the court his client was seeking a “relatively urgent hearing”.

The court was told the fight started after Champkin suspected her roommate had stolen money from her. Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography

Mr McConnell said defence barrister David Jones KC had been briefed on the matter.

“Correspondence was forwarded to the court as to the reasoning for the urgency of the (appeal),” he said.

Mr McConnell said it was a “relatively narrow issue,” which may only take 20 minutes for the courts to consider.

At trial, the court heard the fight occurred between Champkin and a roommate at a Newtown address in Wyalla St back in March.

The court heard while the victim and another were moving their belongings out of the shared house, Champkin confronted them about missing household items and $200 cash she alleged was stolen.

A physical fight ensued, which police say Champkin started.

It resulted in the roommate being punched several times, and pinned to the ground while Champkin pushed blunt horse grooming scissors to the back of her neck.

The court heard Champkin held the woman’s head down and said, “I’ll stab you c---.”

She was sentenced to a 12-month probation order and no conviction was recorded.

During the hearing, Mr Jones said Champkin would have to plead her case to the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission as to why she should retain her licence.

The court on Wednesday heard the Crown was ready to proceed on the basis the appeal point was “narrow and clear”.

Champkin’s appeal was set down for a hearing on August 24, 2024.