Zena Cassandra Louise Darby: Geraldton woman accused of robbery, biting police officer, burglary, shoplifting

Police say an 18-year-old woman, who was remanded in custody this week, is a “serial offender” who is responsible for a string of offences, including a robbery at a handbag store and biting a police officer. Geraldton police allege about 6.30pm on Friday, November 3, an 18-year-old entered a home on Kempton Street in Bluff Point through an unlocked front door while the occupants were in the living room. It’s alleged the occupants heard a noise and looked around to find the accused inside, who allegedly said she was looking for some food. She was escorted from the home. It is further alleged at 11.15am on Saturday November 4, the 18-year-old was at Strandbags inside Stirlings Central shopping centre when she picked up a light pink Guess clutch worth $129 and left the store. Police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said a witness stepped in front of the accused and told her to put the item back, to which she responded “what are you going to do about it” and lunged her chest forward. The accused left the store. At 11.45am, police stopped a vehicle on Kempton Street in Bluff Point where the 18-year-old was allegedly found with $60 of meat, confectionery and other grocery items from Woolworths that she couldn’t prove she purchased. Police conducted a search and seized a small clip seal bag with less than 1g of cannabis inside, allegedly found on the 18-year-old. Zena Cassandra Louise Darby, 18, was arrested and taken to Geraldton police station. While in custody, Sen. Sgt Martin said Ms Darby was speaking to a mental health clinician when she became upset and hit herself in the head. Sen. Sgt Martin said a police officer grabbed the woman’s hand to stop her harming herself and Ms Darby allegedly bit the officer, causing the skin to break. She appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday charged with assaulting a public officer, possessing a prohibited drug, aggravated burglary with intent, possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property, robbery and stealing. She was remanded in custody to reappear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 16.