A woman who spat in the face of a Lavington shop employee was slammed yesterday for her "absolutely appalling" and "offensive" behaviour.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Magistrate Richard Funston then tore strips off Sarah Jean Shayler when she addressed him as "mate".
"Look, I'm not your mate, I'm the magistrate, the court," he said with a raised voice.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"Show a bit of respect for the court."
Shayler also claimed there was no spittle as her mouth was dry, then provided Albury Local Court with a demonstration.
She stepped to her right and pretended to spit twice on the floor, all while wearing a mask to protect herself from COVID-19.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Andrew Pike said Shayler's offending was significant for having taken place when the pandemic was well under way.
The court was told the incident occurred in the Smokemart shop at Lavington Square on April 3 about 2.20pm.
A witness to the assault was at the shop register when Shayler entered and bought a packet of cigarettes.
When the cashier made a mistake with the transaction, the North Albury woman, 40, became agitated.
Shayler then began hurling abuse.
The victim took over the register and tried to calm things down, then completed Shayler's transaction.
"The accused spat at the victim twice," police said, "with droplets of spittle landing on the victim's face and on the display counter before the accused walked to the front door."
Shayler - who had previously been convicted in her absence - was placed on a 12-month community corrections order, with supervision.
That was charges of common assault and failing to appear on bail.
