Gran 'attacked cop with naked bottom'

A grandmother who had been arrested for assaulting a police officer launched a second attack during a strip search, using her naked bottom.

Joanne Bowler, 52, was arrested when she punched Senior Constable Grant Lawton who was attempting to arrest her daughter Faith at Feilding KFC in April, the Manawatu Standard reported.

On the way to the station, Bowler added threatening to kill Mr Lawton to her growing list of charges.

During a strip search by female officers, Bowler bent over and pushed her exposed backside into the legs of one detective several times, telling her to "take a good look".

A scuffle began with two male constables called in to help. Bowler managed to kick one in the thigh, narrowly missing his groin, before being subdued.

In Feilding District Court yesterday Bowler denied eight charges of obstruction, assault, threatening to kill and theft.

Bowler told the court she had only become involved when she saw an officer hit her daughter with a baton - although the accusation was not backed up with any evidence.

The theft charge related to her alleged involvement, alongside her daughter, in stealing jewellery, photos and ornaments from stores around Feilding on the day of her arrest.

Judge Gregory Ross found her guilty on all but one count, but dismissed the theft charge due to a lack of evidence.

She was remanded for sentence on September 22.

- NZPA