An n Federal Police officer was left caked in blood across his face and neck after he was allegedly stabbed with a pen by a ‘disruptive’ female Jetstar passenger.
A second officer was allegedly stabbed in the arm as they attempted to escort Amy-Lee Botefuhr, 34, from a just landed plane, where it is alleged she failed to comply with safety instructions while flying from Sydney to Perth on Monday night.
Footage released by AFP showed officers following a hooded figure off the plane before a tussle ensued on the tarmac as police placed the woman in an ‘escort hold’.
The Perth woman appeared to allegedly stab at the officers with a weapon, which is eventually dislodged from her hand as she was subdued and led away.
The officer allegedly stabbed in the face and neck was later photographed in hospital bruised and bloodied.
Botefuhr faced Perth Magistrates Court later on Tuesday, charged with causing harm to a public official, obstructing a public official and failing to comply with safety instructions given by cabin crew.
She was remanded in custody and will spend the next two weeks behind bars.
Botefuhr will reappear in court on January 31, where a bail application is scheduled to be listed, The West n reported.
She faces up to 13 years behind bars if convicted.
Jetstar cabin crew on Monday night called AFP officers to meet the Jetstar plane as it arrived at Perth Airport to escort off Botefuhr, who they alleged had been disruptive during the flight.
Police allege Botefuhr attempted to walk away from officers while disembarkin
When officers tried to restrain her, Botefuhr allegedly pulled away, striking an officer’s forearm with a pen concealed under her clothing.
Botefuhr allegedly struck a second officer in the face and neck with the pen when he attempted to restrain her.
She was arrested and escorted from the tarmac.
The injured officers were treated by paramedics.
One was taken to Royal Perth Hospital, where he spent the night before being discharged on Tuesday morning.
Police later said that the officer is in good spirits but will take some time off work to recover.
AFP Acting Commander Murray Taylor described the woman’s alleged actions as reprehensible.
‘While our members acknowledge there is a certain element of risk to their role, the AFP will not tolerate any harm caused to members while performing their duties to keep travellers, airline and airport staff safe,’ he said In a statement released on Tuesday.
Commander Taylor also warned that any passengers who were violent or disruptive could expect repercussions.
‘The AFP and its partners have zero tolerance for antisocial, violent or dangerous behaviour towards passengers, staff or law enforcement at our airports, and we will take action against those who offend,’ Commander Taylor said.
‘Passengers expect to feel safe while travelling and should not have to witness intoxication, violence or bad behaviour.’
A Jetstar spokesperson was quoted by police as saying it was a requirement for passengers to always follow the instructions of crew and comply with safety procedures, which included fastening seatbelts for landing.
‘We will never tolerate disruptive behaviour onboard our aircraft or within the terminal and appreciate the ongoing assistance and support of the AFP,’ they said.
The AFP urged the public to call Airport Watch hotline on 131 237 if they see or hear something unusual while travelling through ‘s major airports.
Daily Mail contacted Jetstar for further comment.