Christopher Bell: Kimberley man pleads not guilty to assaulting Derby police officers

A Kimberley man accused of being involved in a group who allegedly attacked two police officers with glass bottles at a Derby park following a confrontation has pleaded not guilty.

Christopher Bell, 44, appeared before Broome Magistrates Court on November 27 charged with two counts of assaulting a public officer and one count of breach of bail.

Mr Bell pleaded guilty to the breach of bail and was fined $500, but entered a plea of not guilty to the police officer assaults.

It is alleged on October 3 at around 5.30pm, police sighted several people drinking in a Derby park when they went over to speak to the group.

The group allegedly became aggressive towards the officers, throwing glass bottles and other items before the police officers were forced to draw their tasers.

Speaking to ABC’s Nadia Mitsopoulos, Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the officers had travelled from Perth to Derby as part of Operation Regional Shield Team.

“I think they’re OK,” Commissioner Blanch said.

“But again, assaults on police . . . one is too many.”

Four males and two females aged between 26 and 45 were charged with assaulting a public officer.

Mr Bell is due to appear in Broome Courthouse on January 22 next year.