Our courts strike again
Woman bailed over mowing down cop
By Johanna Leggatt
July 11, 2006
This article from : AAP
A WOMAN accused of running over and injuring a policewoman fled the scene because she thought the officer was unhurt, a Brisbane court has been told.
Naturopath Adele Fraser, 28, from Camp Hill in Brisbane's inner east, gave herself up to police yesterday and was charged with attempted murder and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm.
She was granted bail during a brief court appearance in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today and ordered to reappear for a mention on August 28.
On Sunday, police allege a female officer approached a pale blue Chrysler sedan parked outside Sunnybank Rugby League club, in Brisbane's south, and in it were Ms Fraser and her co-accused, Shane Christopher Saunders.
It is alleged that while Mr Saunders got out of the car and ran off, Ms Fraser drove the car into the officer, causing severe lacerations.
She then sped off.
However, her defence lawyer Jim Coburn told the court Ms Fraser drove off because she thought the officer was okay.
"She looked in the rear view mirror and saw her pick herself up and dust herself off and thought she was okay," she said.
"She's not a cold or hard criminal. She panicked and drove away.
"And, by surrendering, she has shown her true colours and remorse."
Mr Coburn said the prosecution had no chance of proving the attempted murder charge.
"She acknowledges that the manner she drove in injured the police officer.
"But the charge of attempted murder is a joke."
However, police prosecutor Michelle Clark told the court Ms Fraser was on bail for break and entering at the time of the offence, and could not be trusted not to flee.
"She's shown no concern for the injuries suffered to the police officer," she said.
"The police officer has to go to hospital on a daily basis to receive treatment."