Woman taken to hospital after court fracas

Relatives and supporters of a woman who is fighting a police assault charge which carries a mandatory jail term clashed with media outside the Perth Magistrate’s Court this morning.

Sarah Blanchette, her family and supporters were attempting to shield themselves from view when they left the court and collided with a television cameraman.

Ms Blanchette was leaving the court after a two-day hearing into a charge of assaulting a police officer and causing bodily harm.

Ms Blanchette, who was 20 when she became involved in a dispute with police outside The Shed nightclub Northbridge last New Year’s Eve, has admitted striking Acting Sen. Sgt. Wayne Godwin.

But she has denied causing “bodily harm”, the trigger which attracts a mandatory six-month jail term.

The final witnesses gave their evidence today and the trial was adjourned until December 14 in order for the defence and prosecution to enter written submissions.

During the fracas outside court, Ms Blanchette’s mother fell to the ground and was in tears before being taken away in an ambulance.

Police arrived at the scene and questioned both groups.

Pictures of the incident taken by The West Australian's Lee Griffith show several people surrounding a television cameraman.

At one point he is held in a headlock by a man standing behind him.

In other pictures he is held by both arms and his jacket by at least two men.

Supporters of Sarah Blanchette with a cameraman during the fracas. Picture: Lee Griffith/The West Australian