A woman who partially blinded a Hawke's Bay policeman after kicking him in the head and eye in July last year has been jailed for more than six and a-half years.
Joy Leaf, 31, was sentenced to six years and seven months' prison in the High Court at Napier yesterday for aggravated wounding, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and shoplifting.
Leaf, along with Lance Pirini, 31, were pulled over by Clive community constable Alan Daly after he saw them in a stolen car in July last year, Hawke's Bay Today reported.
Without warning, the pair attacked Mr Clive, the court heard.
Leaf stomped on his eye and took a running "rugby style kick" into his head, leaving Mr Daly with a broken eye socket and partially blind.
Justice Douglas White said Leaf had got "caught up" in a world of methamphetamine and alcohol.
Since being remanded in custody Leaf had expressed remorse for her offending, he said.
Pirini is to stand trial in August after pleading not guilty.
Sensible Sentencing Trust national spokesman Garth McVicar said the sentence reflected a change in attitude toward criminals who bashed police.
"The sentence shows that there has been a total change in mentality there. This type of offending has gone from a level of acceptance to one where judges are now waving the big stick."
