Discharge delayed

A woman who assaulted a life-long friend in Arrowtown earlier this year has until August to prove herself before a judge will grant her a second discharge without conviction.

Meika-Celine Pollock (19), of Queenstown, earlier admitted assaulting Zoe Clear on January 28 at Arrowtown, but through defence counsel Joseph Mooney applied for a discharge before Judge Nevin Dawson in the Queenstown District Court yesterday.

Mr Mooney said Pollock and Ms Clear had known each other most of their lives.

On the night in question, they, and others, had been drinking at a property on Queenstown Hill before being taken to Arrowtown.

Soon after, Ms Clear received a phone call from others who had been at the house party, advising they had been involved in a police chase and needed help.

The two groups met at the Arrowtown skate park where ``some people'' got into the vehicle with the women and their sober driver, Mr Mooney said.

An argument broke out between all parties in the car and the driver became concerned about getting caught up with those involved in the police chase.

Pollock and Ms Clear started fighting in the street.

Pollock had been studying for a veterinary nursing qualification and once that had been completed and she had gained some experience, she hoped to work overseas in a wolf sanctuary, one of which was in Canada, Mr Mooney said.

She had received a discharge for similar offending two years ago and this incident had been a ``wake-up call''.

Police opposed the discharge. Prosecuting Sergeant Ian Collin said that was based on her earlier discharge and the common desire by defendants to travel to Canada.

Judge Dawson remanded Pollock on bail until August when he would be sitting again in Queenstown.

Provided she completed 50 hours' voluntary community work in an appropriate environment, and provided written confirmation, had $400 available for emotional reparation and had not been further charged or convicted she would be discharged.

``If you don't, I'll reconsider that.''

 

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