Police charge man after off-duty police officers assaulted in Waverley

A man will appear in court today charged after allegedly assaulting three off-duty police officers at a licensed premises in Sydney’s east yesterday.

About 7.30pm (Tuesday 12 October 2021), the manager of the licensed premises on Bronte Road, Waverley, asked a 30-year-old man to leave due to his behaviour.

The man allegedly refused to leave and became verbally aggressive towards the female manager, before snapping a pool cue in half and brandishing it around the premises.

The manager requested assistance from security, when three off-duty police officers nearby approached the man and spoke to him.

Police will allege the man head-butted one of the officers, a male senior constable, causing a cut and bruising to his eye.

The off-duty officers attempted to restrain the man when he allegedly resisted and assaulted them, including kneeing a female constable in the hip area.

Additional officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended to assist and the man was arrested and taken to Waverley Police Station where he was charged with six offences including:

– Excluded person fail to leave premises when required,

– Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal violence),

– Destroy or damage property,

– Assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm,

– Assault officer in execution of duty, and

– Resist officer in execution of duty.

The man was refused bail and will appear at Waverley Local Court today (Wednesday 13 October 2021).

The injured officers received treatment at the scene for minor injuries; they did not require hospitalisation.

Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Gretchen Atkins, is reminding the community that police will be out in force targeting anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence as venues re-open.

“Everyone should feel comfortable and safe to go out and enjoy the cafes, restaurants, licensed venues and other services that have re-opened following the most recent Covid-19 lockdown,” Detective Inspector Atkins said.

“Police will be ready to assist venues and entertainment precincts. Violence will not be tolerated and if anyone causes a disruption or fails to comply with venue rules and regulations they will be dealt with appropriately.

“Some COVID-19 restrictions still remain in place across the state, so we urge those going out to continue to observe social distancing rules and comply with all the relevant venue capacity requirements.

“This incident shows officers will not hesitate to act upon unlawful behaviour and put those persons before the courts,” Detective Inspector Atkins said.

/Public Release. View in full here.