A Broome man is expected to appear before Perth Magistrates Court today (25 May, 2026) charged over alleged disorderly behaviour at Perth Airport and allegedly spitting on a police officer.
The man, 54, came to the attention of police last month (28 April, 2026) when he was reported yelling at a woman not known to him in Terminal 3 of the airport.
After police walked him away from the woman, the man allegedly continued to behave in a disorderly manner by yelling, being aggressive to another member of the public, and lunging towards an uninvolved man.
Officers arrested the man and took him to the Perth Watch House, where he allegedly spat in the face of a Western Australia Police Force custody officer.
The man was charged with:
- One count of assault public officer, contrary to section 318 of the Criminal Code ACT (WA). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment; and
- One count of disorderly behaviour in public, contrary to section 74A of the Criminal Code Act (WA). This offence carries a maximum penalty of a $6000 fine.
The man was granted bail to appear before court today.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said travelling, or being in an airport, wasn't a free pass from the law and disruptive behaviour would be met with police intervention.
"It is never acceptable to behave poorly at any airport in Australia, and the AFP will intervene to protect members of the public or terminal staff from feeling concerned or unsafe," Det a/Supt Brindal said.
"If you are travelling, do not disrupt those around you, since your actions could have consequences. At best you might have to delay your holiday, but at worst you might spend time behind bars."
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).
