County Court Outcome A Disgrace

Tuesday, 15^th May 2018, County Court Judge Barbara Cotterell upheld the appeal made by Amanda Warren and Ms Caris Underwood who had pleaded guilty to assaulting paramedic Paul Judd in Reservoir in 2016.

These two women appealed the outcome of a Magistrates Order of 8 months for Warren and 4 months for Underwood.

Judge Cotterell took into account special circumstances and did not apply a custodial sentence to the women. They received Community Corrections orders of 150 hours over three years and 50 hours over two years respectively.

This means Ms Warren will do community service for 1 hour per week for the next 3 years and Ms Underwood will do 30 minutes Community service per week for the next two years.

Is that fair?

Paul Judd has been off work since the serious assault with fractures to his foot, which he has had surgery three times to repair it.  He still has many months of rehabilitation to go. Let alone the psychological damage. 

His paramedic partner Chenaye Bentley has also had to try and cope with the trauma of this issue and has relocated to rural Victoria.

Our thoughts are with Paul and Chenaye at this time.

I have already made contact with the Premiers’ Office expressing my disgust and disbelief in what message this outcome sends to any future offenders, and also to Paramedics.

I encourage all members to speak to your local members of Parliament expressing your concerns and disappointment.

The Union will be pursuing this matter to try and improve the safety for Paramedics.

Steve McGhie
General Secretary