Officer ‘hit in face with a glass bottle’

A man in a crowd of up to 250 people is alleged to have smashed a bottle in the face of one of four onduty police officers in Broome early on Sunday morning.

This was one of many alcoholfuelled incidents at parties across the Kimberley town over the weekend, during a horrendously busy shift for the four officers.

Police allege the man had been seen and identified spitting and throwing a bottle at a police vehicle before disappearing into the huge crowd gathered on the corner of Matsumoto and Anne streets.

Later, around 5.20am, First Class Constable Carl Webb pursued the man, who allegedly hit the officer in the face with a glass bottle.

The attack resulted in seven lacerations which needed 18 stitches.

Const. Webb’s eyesight was not damaged, but his face is expected to be permanently scarred.

Broome man, Edward Ishiguchi, 19, appeared in Broome Magistrate’s Court on Monday, on charges of disorderly behaviour in public, unlawful wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and obstructing public officers.

He was refused bail.

Police returned to the scene of the incident later to search for a police-issued taser which had fallen out of the officer’s holster.

The taser was found unused.

“It was a very busy night shift and they were working at capacity,” Sen. Sgt Neesham said.

“No taser was deployed, neither was capsicum spray used, but it was a very hostile environment… and when something like that becomes out of control, it is certainly a major concern.”

A carnival to kick off the local football league and a funeral were some of the events which had brought many visitors to Broome.