Joshua Eyles handed suspended sentence for assaulting police during arrest

A police officer told a boozed-up man who broke his colleague’s finger during an arrest to “eat d***” and was met with a wad of spit.

A police officer had a savage remark for an “unruly” man who broke his colleague’s finger during arrest.

Joshua Eyles, 21, is “deeply sorry” for committing the “appalling” assault while under the influence.

The Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday heard Eyles was arrested by police on November 27, 2020 at Glenelg.

“Mr Eyles pulled away, causing an injury to the police officer – a spiral fracture of the finger,” Magistrate Brett Dixon said.

Joshua Eyles received a suspended sentence for assaulting police. Picture: Facebook

The court heard police then tried to speak to an “unruly” Eyles.

“During that conversation, a police officer says to Mr Eyles ‘eat d***’, at which Mr Eyles spits at the police officer,” Mr Dixon said.

The court heard the “very deliberate” spitting landed on the officer’s trousers.

Eyles, of Royston Park, pleaded guilty to assaulting police and causing harm by resisting police.

He read an apology letter to the court, saying he was deeply sorry and realised he needed to take control of his anger.

“It is no excuse that I had too much to drink, after seeing the video I was ashamed of how I was behaving,” Eyles said.

Nick Vadasz, for Eyles, told the court he had been drinking with his father on the day of the incident.

“Obviously his father has not been a good influence in his life,” he said.

Mr Vadasz said Eyles hadn’t intended to cause harm to the officer and he had been looking into anger management courses.

Mr Dixon said Eyles’ behaviour was appalling.

“You conduct towards the police officers was reprehensible, you were unrelenting in that conduct,” he said.

“Police officers deserve and will get the protection of this court.”

However, Mr Dixon noted there was no specific attempt by Eyles to be violent towards the officers.

He sentenced Eyles to two months jail.

The sentence was suspended on a 18-month good behaviour bond, with supervision.