Assault accused faces court

A 33-year-old man was refused bail after an alleged serious assault on a police officer on Police Remembrance Day.

Clayton Rogers appeared in Broome Magistrate’s Court last week on multiple charges including two counts of assaulting a public officer, one count of obstructing police and a further charge of escaping lawful custody.

The incident occurred around 7.30pm on Friday, September 28, just two hours after Broome police gathered to commemorate fallen comrades to mark this year’s National Police Remembrance Day.

The incident was allegedly sparked when police officers attempted to arrest a woman for drinking in a public place.

The woman had been sitting among a group of people in a Chinatown carpark. The prosecution told the court Mr Rogers became involved and tried to prevent police from arresting the woman.

When police told the accused he was under arrest for obstruction, Mr Rogers allegedly punched the officer multiple times before attempting to run away.

Police tried to arrest Mr Rogers a second time, and a struggle ensued on the ground.

The court was told Mr Rogers punched the officer and grabbed a handful of sand to throw in his face. The officer drew his taser, which was ineffective.

Other police officers arrived and arrested Mr Rogers. The officer was taken to hospital for his injuries.

Mr Rogers is due to reappear in Broome Magistrate’s Court on October 15.