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04 October 2019, 11:03am
Media Release

Man to face court for assaulting police officer at Perth airport

A 25-year old Alkimos man is due to face Perth Magistrates Court today (4 October) following the alleged assault of an Australian Federal Police (AFP) officer at Perth Airport.

The Alkimos man was arrested on 4 September 2019 after failing to comply with directions given by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers.

It will be alleged in court that the man was asked to remove his hat to assist with identity verification, but he refused.

AFP officers at Perth Airport were called to assist with the matter and spoke to the man before he allegedly punched one officer in the head.

The man was subdued and taken into custody where he was charged with causing harm to a Commonwealth official, contrary to section 147.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth.).

The injured AFP member received hospital treatment for a cut on his chin and was later discharged.

AFP Acting Airport Police Commander John Connoley said that there was no place for unruly and violent behavior towards police and other people working at the airport.

“This type of abhorrent behavior will never be tolerated and we will pursue individuals who do so to the full extent of the law,” he said.

“AFP and ABF members are among many people and agencies working to ensure the community can use the airport safely. As police, we struggle to comprehend situations where people actively try to prevent – and even harm – people doing their job to benefit the travelling public.”

 

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