UPDATE: A Kempsey woman has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment following a violent altercation with police during an attempted arrest. Rachel Reid, aged 36, faced the Kempsey Local Court today, where it was confirmed she would serve a non-parole period of five months due to her escalating history of violence.
The incident occurred on the evening of October 9, 2025, when officers responded to reports of an altercation involving Reid and another woman. Upon arrival, Reid was observed yelling at the officers, prompting authorities to move quickly to prevent further escalation. They attempted to handcuff her, but Reid resisted violently, resulting in one officer sustaining redness to their elbow during the struggle.
Court documents reveal that Reid has a troubling past, with this being her second conviction for violence. Magistrate Georgina Crofts expressed concern over Reid’s history, stating, “Your record does not assist you as you have a long history of violence, and you need to take accountability.” This emphasizes the court’s commitment to deterrence in light of Reid’s repeated offenses.
Reid has been in custody since her arrest, having served 49 days already. She is expected to be eligible for parole in March 2026. The court’s decision reflects a growing urgency to address violent behavior in the community, responding to both public safety concerns and the need for accountability.
This developing story highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in managing violent incidents and the legal repercussions for those who resist arrest. More updates will follow as authorities continue to address the implications of such violence in the community.
