Vic hit-run driver to spend Xmas in jail

A Melbourne woman accused of stealing Christmas decorations and cherries will spend the holiday season behind bars, after she allegedly hit a police officer with her car while making her getaway.

Jade Earl, 32, allegedly made off with $23 worth of fruit and vegetables and about $280 of assorted decorations from Highpoint shopping centre stores, then drove her car into Detective Acting Sergeant Brendon Devenish on Monday.

She was on bail at the time of the theft, according to documents tendered in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

The Brookfield woman appeared in court on Thursday charged with nine offences including assaulting a police officer, intentionally causing injury and damaging a car belonging to The Salvation Army.

She is also accused of failing to stop her car after being directed to by a police officer.

Earl did not apply for bail.

She will return to court on February 11.