Caregiver blames attack on 'bad trip'

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A bad acid trip led to a young New Plymouth woman launching into a frenzied attack on a woman police officer, the New Plymouth District Court heard yesterday.

Charlotte Elizabeth Wheeler, 19, had earlier taken half a tab of LSD and cannabis when she began screaming at her Drake St home on the night of February 26.

Neighbours who heard the screaming and thought she was being attacked flagged down a passing police patrol car to go to her assistance.

When the two police officers arrived, they found her polite and apologetic.

But when they went to leave, Wheeler launched at a woman police officer clawing at her face, grabbing her cheek and catching the corner of her eye.

Wheeler was fended off by the police officer, with help from Wheeler's boyfriend and was handcuffed.

In the back of the police car, she again began attacking the woman officer beside her, screaming and kicking her on the body with both feet.

The force of the constant kicks resulted in the constable hitting her head on the patrol car window.

Wheeler later told police she was "tripping" on LSD and had not known what she was doing.

She was charged with assault with intent to injure, possession of LSD and resisting arrest.

In court yesterday, her lawyer Paul Keegan said his client, a caregiver, acknowledged her actions on the night. He asked Judge Allan Roberts not to convict her because there were many things being put in train for her.

A pre-sentence report was called for and she was remanded on bail until May 19.

- © Fairfax NZ News