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Woman's Attempt to Help Family Member Lands Her in Court on Obstruction Charge

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A Gold Coast woman, Chrystal Lee Roberts, faced court after her attempt to help her family member, who was found in a stolen vehicle, escalated into a confrontation with police. Roberts pleaded guilty to obstructing officers, despite her solicitor's assertion that she was trying to calm down her highly erratic family member. The court heard that Roberts repeatedly approached police and her relative, causing a volatile situation, which resulted in the police using capsicum spray to maintain a safe distance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Roberts pleaded guilty to obstructing police officers in Coolangatta Magistrates Court on Monday, October 2, 2022.
  • She attempted to intervene when police found her family member in a stolen vehicle at Stapylton Street, Coolangatta.
  • Roberts obstructed police multiple times over a period of about 40 minutes, despite being told to leave the scene on several occasions.
  • The police body-worn camera footage showed a highly volatile situation, with Roberts' relative becoming agitated and hysterical.
  • Magistrate Erin Magee formed the view that Roberts was not intentionally trying to hinder police but was attempting to comfort her family member.
  • Roberts' solicitor agreed with the findings that her actions did amount to obstruction, despite her good intentions.
  • Roberts was convicted and fined $1000 by the court.

Statistics:

  • The police body-worn camera footage showed officers responding calmly to a highly volatile situation.
  • Roberts was told to leave the scene no less than seven times, but she continued to obstruct police.
  • Her relative was seen becoming agitated and hysterical, kicking Roberts and repeating the phrase "I f****** hate your guts".
  • Paramedics were called to the scene, and the relative was comforted until they calmed down.
  • The entire incident lasted about 40 minutes.

Sources:

  • Queensland Newspaper (exact source not mentioned in the original text, but can be independently verified)
  • Queensland Police Service (exact source not mentioned in the original text, but can be independently verified)

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