Cassandra Astill faces Orange magistrate for kicking court officers

Prior to Monday's court appearance, Cassandra Shirley Lee Astill, 36, of Lombardy Way, had no convictions on her record.

According to police, Astill was supporting her ex-partner during an unrelated hearing at Coffs Harbour Local Court when she interjected while the magistrate was talking on March 30.

The magistrate directed her to leave the court room and she was escorted out to the lobby. However, she attempted to re-enter the courtroom and was given multiple warnings.

A sheriff's officer grabbed her when she got near the door and she tried to break free so another officer came to help restrain her. She kicked both officers during the altercation and was arrested and handcuffed until police arrived.

When the handcuffs were removed she again tried to re-enter the courtroom, attempted to strike a sheriff's officer who blocked her path and she continued to resist when police took hold of her.

Solicitor Charlotte Pascall said Astill was "highly intoxicated with illicit substances" but has since moved to Orange, remained abstinent and gained employment.

Magistrate David Day said she has started to get help, but the offending was "an affront to the manner our society conducts judicial business".

"The impact on the court community is considerable, the impact on the sheriff's officers and the public is considerable," Mr Day said.

Mr Day gave Astill two seven-month Intensive Correction Orders with 30 hours of community service for two assaults. He also gave her two 12-month Community Correction Orders for two counts of resisting arrest.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: