Media release

Charges - Police officers assaulted - Alice Springs

Police

Northern Territory Police have charged two people in Alice Springs for assaulting two members of the police force overnight.

At around 9:00pm, police were conducting foot patrols in the central business district when they observed a group of youths walking around. Police approached them and identified that one of the youths, a 14-year-old girl, was in breach of her bail conditions.

During the process of arresting the youth, she has resisted and spat in one of the officer’s face. She was conveyed to Alice Springs Watch House.

She is due to face court on 6 July 2020.

In a separate matter, a 32-year-old man has been arrested after kicking a police officer in the leg. At around 5:00pm, police arrested the male for breaching a court order and conveyed him to Alice Springs Correctional Centre, where he then assaulted the officer.

The man was issued with a notice to appear for assault a member of the police force.

Acting Commander Brett Prowse said, “I have a simple question for all Territorians.  Is it ever acceptable for an employee to be spat on and kicked in the workplace?  Of course not. 

“Whilst the vast majority of Territorians understand and value the difficult work undertaken by NT Police officers in keeping Territorians safe every day of the year, it is evident there is still a small number of people who think this kind of violent and disgusting behaviour is acceptable.  Let me be clear, it never has and never will be acceptable.”

Under section 189A of the Criminal Code Act 1983, assaults on police or emergency workers carry maximum penalties of imprisonment of 16 years.