No gaol for cop attackers

Resisting arrest, threatening police with a knife and brawling with officers was not enough to warrant gaol terms in the Kununurra Court of Petty Sessions last week.

Leslie Ogilvie, Wayne Bidwee and Alphonse Wilson faced the court over an incident that occurred on April 6.

Prosecution told the court that at 3.30pm on that day, patrolling police stopped at the gravel area opposite the Mercure Inn and spoke to several people regarding alcohol consumption.

As a result of this one person was arrested.

Whilst police were making the arrest, Wilson attempted to pull the apprehended person away from police and pushed a female officer causing her to strike the open door of the police wagon.

The police left the scene and returned with more uniformed officers.

When police returned, an officer approached Wilson stating he was under arrest at which point Wilson pushed the police officer in the chest and pulled a knife from his waistband and began swinging it at the officer.

Wilson was disarmed and then continued to struggle until capsicum spray was used to control him.

During Wilson's arrest Ogilvie approached police, pushing an officer and was told to move away.

Ogilvie continued until he too was sprayed with capsicum spray and arrested.

At the same time as these arrests were taking place, Bidwee grabbed a branch and pulled leaves off it and began to approach officers holding the branch above his head.

Bidwee was told to leave but did not stop until he was also sprayed with capsicum spray.

Bidwee was originally charged with possess an article with intent to injure and resist police.

Prosecution made an application to withdraw the charge of resist and Bidwee pleaded guilty to the other charge.

Bidwee was placed on a nine-month community release order to the amount of $500.

An order was made for the destruction of the knife.

Ogilvie was originally charged with assault public officer and resist police.

The prosecution made an application to withdraw the charge of resist and Ogilvie pleaded guilty to the other charge.

Ogilvie was placed on a nine-month community based order and ordered to complete 75 hours community work.

Wilson was originally charged with assault public officer, assault with intent to resist arrest, hinder police and resist arrest.

The charge of hindering and resisting arrest were withdrawn and Wilson pleaded guilty to the other two.

On both of the guilty charges Wilson received a six-month imprisonment term, suspended for 18 months.

The fourth person charged at the time has fled the State and a warrant is out for his arrest.