A 42-year-old Earlwood man is due to face Sydney Central Local Court today (13 August) regarding a series of assault, property theft and damage charges after an alleged rampage at Sydney International Airport yesterday.
The man allegedly kicked down the door leading into an airline office yesterday (12 August) morning and assaulted an airline employee. The airline employee was assisted by a member of the public, who then locked the man in an office to wait for police.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) airport operations officers attended the scene, but the man had climbed into the roof cavity above the office. AFP members established a cordon and began a search in the roof cavity area and ventilation system.
It will be alleged the man attempted to hide from police and evade them when detected. He was subsequently detained and removed from the roof.
It will be alleged in court the Earlwood man was found to be in possession of approximately $4000 in cash, which police believe was unlawfully obtained. Other items, including several drivers’ licences, were also seized during a search.
Shortly after the man was arrested and cautioned, police will allege he also assaulted an AFP officer by kicking him in the stomach.
The man was then taken to Mascot Police Station where he was charged with:
- One count of break and enter with intent (larceny), contrary to section 113 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years imprisonment.
- One count of common assault, contrary to section 61 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is two years imprisonment.
- One count of unlawfully in possession of property, contrary to section 527C of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is six months imprisonment.
- One count of assault police, contrary to section 58 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years imprisonment.
- One count of destroying or damaging property, contrary to section 195 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years imprisonment.
AFP Airport Police Commander Peter Mullins said police will not hesitate to prosecute people whose behaviour endangers others in the airport environment.
“The international airport is an important part of Sydney’s infrastructure and with thousands of people travelling through it each day, we are serious about making sure it remains a safe environment for travellers and employees who work there,” Supt. Mullins said.
“We will not tolerate the type of behaviour we allege this man committed yesterday, and people should know that we will prosecute them to the full extent of the law if they pose a threat to people’s safety or endanger those in the airport, including my officers.”
