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Woman 'eye gouges' Coles worker over social distancing rules

Police have arrested a woman who allegedly spat and gouged at the eyes of a supermarket employee who asked her to leave a store for not following coronavirus social distancing rules.

The 35-year-old allegedly became verbally abusive to a staff member at Coles on Burton Street in Vincentia, on the NSW south coast, about 2pm on Wednesday.

When she was denied entry, she allegedly became aggressive towards a 49-year-old employee and spat in her face.

Woman 'eye gouges' supermarket worker over social distancing rules
The woman allegedly attacked the Coles employee at this store in Vincentia. Source: Google Maps/Kiim Lorraine Russell

Police said a further struggle between the pair ensued, and the 35-year-old allegedly pulled the staff member’s hair, gouged her eyes and caused her jewellery to be damaged.

She left the scene but police were contacted about the incident and later attended a home in Sanctuary Point and arrested a 35-year-old woman.

The woman was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice to appear at Nowra Local Court on June 15 to face charges of common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and destroying or damaging property.

Police said both women suffered minor injuries.

Police issue tough penalties

Penalties for people found to be deliberately spreading coronavirus or creating fear in someone that they were transmitting the virus were ramped up this week.

People found committing these offences could face life in prison, Health Minister Greg Hunt announced on Wednesday.

Police have been out in force across the country enforcing strict social distancing and self-isolation measures, with heavy penalties applicable to those found flouting the rules.

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