Demolition worker avoids jail after posting video jumping on police car to N.W.A.’s ‘F--- Tha Police’

A demolition worker has narrowly avoided jail after posting a video jumping on the roof and damaging a police car, with a notorious rap song playing.

A young man has narrowly avoided jail for jumping on a police car, damaging it, and posting it on social media with NWA’s ‘F--- Tha Police’ playing.

Mitchell O’Connell Yates, 23, appeared unrepresented on Monday, pleading guilty to property damage and breach of bail agreement.

Police prosecutor John Taliangas told Magistrate Ben Sale on November 20, 2019 police found their vehicle on Woodsons Lane near Hindley St had the roof damaged.

Mr Taliangas said CCTV vision showed a man jumping on the vehicle and through facial recognition Yates was identified as a suspect.

After being interviewed he admitted to jumping on the vehicle.

Mitchell Yates out the front of the Elizabeth Magistrates Court.

Yates pleaded guilty to damaging a motor vehicle as well as breaching his bail agreement with a suspended prison sentence of 72 days which had been set previously following an assault charge.

Magistrate Sale heard the previous assault involved a 67-year-old man who was punched by Yates after the man tried to intervene in an argument between Yates and his partner outside of Cafe Primo at Tea Tree Plaza.

Yates said he had been going to get a drink for his partner who was having a panic attack, before a woman and the 67-year-old approached, thinking he had stolen the bag.

Mr Taliangas said it was agreed on the facts that Yates did not throw the first punch and the other party had taken the first action.

When asked about the video of him on the police car, Yates said he posted in frustration after being charged with the property damage.

In sentencing, Magistrate Sale said it was significant Yates had not been in trouble with the law for 18 months after the last offence.

“Regarding the first offence, any time you strike someone if they are 3 times your age it's going to be more serious than property damage, but you did $4000 of property damage,” Mr Sale said.

“When you were charged your response was to post it on social media – which indicates you weren’t really sorry.

“Your property damage matter is by no means trivial, you seem to be a very angry young man but you’ve stayed out of trouble for a good 18 months, demolition might be a good industry for you.”

When asked what had sparked his change in attitude, Yates said he may have matured and found work which helps get his anger out.

Magistrate Sale sentenced Yates to agree to a one-year good behaviour bond, and to pay compensation for the property damage of $4191.34.

“I’m confident you can fulfil the good behaviour bond since you've done 18 months,” Mr Sale said.

Court fees were waived.