A WOMAN wanted over domestic violence allegations who jumped into the water at Port Stephens and went for a swim in a bid to avoid arrest has admitted to threatening police with a syringe.
But Rachel Hedley, 27, on Friday pleaded not guilty to a number of domestic violence offences, including three counts of damaging property and intimidation, and was granted conditional bail in Raymond Terrace Local Court.
Hedley pleaded guilty to using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention over the incident with police and will face a hearing on the other charges in May.
Police said they were patrolling the Tanilba Bay foreshore about 2.10am on Friday when they found Hedley and attempted to speak to her about the domestic violence allegations.
But as police approached, the 27-year-old went into the water and attempted to swim away.
A short time later, she came back to shore before running to Tanilba Park, where she threatened police with a syringe.
Following a negotiation with officers, Hedley was arrested and taken to Maitland police station where she was charged.
She was refused bail overnight, but was granted bail after entering pleas and agreeing to abide by the conditions of an apprehended domestic violence order and not enter Tanilba Bay.
