A Sydney man has faced Downing Centre Local Court today (28 April, 2026) after allegedly assaulting an AFP officer at Sydney Airport.
Yesterday (27 April, 2026), AFP officers responded to a request for assistance to check on the welfare of a man believed to be sleeping in a carpark toilet.
When police approached the man, 30, he allegedly became highly aggressive.
Police requested his personal details, but the man allegedly walked away, failing to comply.
After being stopped by police, the man allegedly tried to hit officers and struck an AFP officer on the side of the head.
The man was arrested and charged with:
- One count of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official contrary to section 147.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 13 years' imprisonment;
- One count of threatening to cause harm to a Commonwealth public official contrary to section 147.2 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is nine years' imprisonment;
- One count of contravening stop/direction powers at airport contrary to section 3UU(1) of the Crimes Act (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is a $6600 infringement; and
- One count of obstructing a Commonwealth public official contrary to section 149.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is two years' imprisonment.
The man has been remanded in custody and will face court in June, 2026.
AFP Sydney Airport Police Commander Detective Superintendent Davina Copelin said aggressive behaviour towards police, workers or members of the public at our airports would not be tolerated.
"The AFP has zero tolerance for antisocial, violent or disruptive behaviour at our airports, and we will take action against those who offend," Det Supt Copelin said.
"Everyone, whether it be police or travelling members of the public, deserves to feel safe at our airports and the AFP will continue to work hard to protect the community in the airport precinct."
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why the AFP is asking you to adopt the "See it. Hear it. Report it" approach.
Behaviours to report include:
• Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing
• Avoiding screening
• Leaving bags unattended
• Loitering
• Concealing identity
• Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
