Balgownie woman charged with assault of paramedic at Fairy Meadow

Paramedics in the line of duty. Photo: NSW Ambulance Facebook

TWO people have been charged following separate assaults against emergency services workers in the Wollongong area this week.

Wollongong police were called to Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow about 6pm yesterday (Thursday) following reports a NSW Ambulance paramedic had been assaulted.

A 57-year-old Balgownie woman was arrested at the scene and taken to Wollongong Police Station, where she was charged with common assault.

Police will allege in court that the woman began to argue with the ambulance officer before she assaulted him.

The woman was refused bail and appeared at Wollongong Local Court today, where she was given conditional bail to appear before the same court on Monday April 29.

In a separate incident a 53-year-old man was travelling towards Crown Street, Wollongong on his mobility scooter when he crashed into a wall and fell out of the vehicle on Tuesday. Members of the public came to his aid, including two NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Police will allege in court that the man punched one of the paramedics in the face as they were loading him into the ambulance. The female paramedic suffered bruising to her cheek but did not require treatment.

Following police inquiries, the man was issued with a Court Attendance Notice for common assault. He is due to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday May 21.

Wollongong Police District Commander, Superintendent Chris Craner, condemned any violence in the community, particularly against emergency service workers.

“Emergency service workers are there, day after day, to assist members of the public and provide necessary assistance,” Supt Craner said.

“We understand that we come into people’s lives when they are at their most vulnerable, but violence, threats and intimidation against these workers are never tolerated.

“Any anti-social behaviour will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately by police.”