A 19-year-old woman from Nelson Creek and a 17-year-old girl from Hokitika were pepper-sprayed in the forecourt of the Hokitika BP service station on Tuesday night following a drunken spree through the town centre.
Acting senior sergeant Andrew Lyes, of Greymouth, said police were called about 9 o'clock after two young women were reported interferring with the festive light displays which adorn light poles around the Hokitika town centre.
The pair had been seen pulling down the lights and swinging them around, trying to hit passing vehicles.
"They were located in the forecourt of a nearby petrol station.
"When approached by police, one of them launched themselves at the police officer," Mr Lyes said.
As the incident unfolded, both women, who were intoxicated, were pepper-sprayed.
They were charged with disorderly behaviour, assault of police and resisting arrest.
Both have since appeared in the Greymouth District Court.
The 17-year-old was bailed last night to reappear on May 16.
Harmony Fulton (19) of Nelson Creek, was brought before Judge Charles Blackie this morning after spending the night in custody.
Fulton was remanded without plea to appear in court on May 16 to answer two charges of assault, as well as disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest.
After hearing submissions on her entrenched alcohol issue, including failure to engage with a previous court ordered assessment, Judge Blackie delayed sentencing Fulton on unrelated charges on May 23.
She will now be sentenced on September 7.
In relation to charges last night, the judge remanded Fulton without plea on strict bail with a 12-hour overnight curfew, address stipulation and an order not to drink - with a warning that she would be taken into custody for failure to comply.
Fulton was also ordered not to associate with her alleged co-offender in the Hokitika offending.
- by Brendon McMahon
