A Perth woman who spent three years fighting a conviction for biting a policewoman on the thigh and hitting her in the face has cried after being jailed for six months.
Daniell Staskos had an argument with her former boyfriend as they walked along a street in Fremantle in January 2013 and was being arrested by three officers when she attacked Senior Constable Kelly Robinson.
Staskos faced a mandatory six months in prison but successfully appealed the verdict in the Supreme Court before prosecutors won a challenge in the Court of Appeal and then the High Court refused to consider her appeal.
The Fremantle Magistrates Court heard on Monday that Staskos' actions were out of character.
Magistrate Steven Malley said it was "a sad day" to have to jail a person who was otherwise of good character and said he did not think jail should be the only option.
"My hands are otherwise tied," he said.
Magistrate Malley said even if the Queen had provided a reference for Staskos he would still be bound by the legislation.
"This should be a warning to the whole community," he said.
Staskos and her supporters began crying in court when the sentence was handed down, with one calling out as she was led away: "We love you Daniell. Be strong."
Outside court, WA Police Union president George Tilbury said the case had taken a toll on Snr Const Robinson but she was relieved it was over.
"She can get on with her life, but it has taken a toll, a toll not only on her but also her family and she's glad that it's come to a conclusion," he said.
"This needs to act as a deterrent to anyone that even considers assaulting a police officer.
"Biting anyone is a disgusting act but to do it to a police officer is unforgivable and there needs to be the appropriate punishment."
Some of Staskos' supporters heckled Mr Tilbury as he spoke to reporters.
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