Grief ‘straw that broke camel’s back'

A police officer who was assaulted in the line of duty hopes the woman who kicked him gets the help she needs, a court has heard.

Samarai Moeroa, 46, lost a family member in 2020 and the "grief became the straw that broke the camel’s back", counsel Sophia Thorburn said in the Dunedin District Court this week.

At 4.30am on August 5, the defendant was at home consuming alcohol when her family became concerned about her level of intoxication.

An argument broke out and police were called.

While officers attended the scene, the woman charged at her ex-partner and pushed him into a doorframe.

A constable restrained Moeroa to prevent further harm to the victim, but came under fire when the woman "thrashed about and threw herself on the floor", court documents said.

The woman kicked the constable twice in the leg, causing an injury to his knee.

In explanation, the woman said the first victim had antagonised her and the police officer "reminded her of her brother", the court heard.

Moeroa said she was remorseful and ashamed of her actions.

"She has told me in her own words that it is unacceptable and disgusting," Mrs Thorburn said.

"It is very sad that it has come to this point where she is before the court."

The woman had reportedly stopped drinking since the incident and wanted assistance managing her emotions.

Moeroa was convicted of assault, contravening a protection order, resisting police and assaulting a constable.

Mrs Thorburn said the four charges arising from the incident were part of a wider issue within the family dynamics and it "takes two to tango".

"It seems like she is the one who initiates the dance," Judge David Robinson said.

Referring to the police constable, the judge said: "He wasn’t even invited to the dance."

"He has the right to come to work and not be assaulted."

The officer provided a statement to the court in which he wished the woman well and accepted her addiction to alcohol had been the driving factor.

"He wants a positive outcome ... He wants you to take the opportunity to engage with support services," the judge said.

Moeroa was sentenced to 100 hours’ community work and 18 months’ intensive supervision.