A 27-year-old man who was arrested on Monday (13 June 2022) at Sydney Airport has been fined and placed on a community corrections order for assaulting four AFP officers and two members of the public.
Airline staff had refused to allow the Melbourne man to board his scheduled flight after deeming he was too intoxicated.
The man remained at the airport in a bar in the arrivals area, where he acted in a disorderly manner, approaching and swearing at multiple members of the public.
He later returned to the departure level, where he assaulted two members of the public. One of the men received minor injuries.
When AFP officers arrived, the man resisted arrest and responded aggressively to police.
Four AFP officers received non-life threatening injuries in the incident including cuts and abrasions before the man was removed from the airport and charged.
Superintendent Matthew Parsons said this arrest should serve as a clear reminder to the public that the AFP has zero tolerance for anti-social, dangerous and violent behaviour at airports.
"As domestic and international travel picks up again, we remind the public to act considerately at airports and treat others with respect," Superintendent Parsons said.
"There is no excuse for anti-social or aggressive behaviour and individuals who choose to act in this manner will be met with the full force of the law."
The matter was heard at Central Local Court on Tuesday (14 June 2022) where the man plead guilty to the following offences:
- Behave in an offensive manner in a public place contrary to section 4(1) of the Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW);
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to section 59(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW);
- Resist officer in execution of duty contrary to section 58 Crimes Act 1900 (NSW); and
- Common assault contrary to section 61 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
He was issued with three fines totalling $1,100 and a six-month community corrections order.
