Jamahl Dudley jailed for injuring a police officer during arrest at a Port Lincoln football club

A man who violently resisted arrest at a country footy club was eventually subdued by at least three police officers but not before he left one in need of surgery.

A young father who violently resisted arrest, seriously injuring a police officer in the struggle, wants to be a good role model for his children.

Jamahl Lynton Lyle Dudley, 23, will be behind bars for close to a year after the police officer required a total knee reconstruction.

Last month, the Adelaide District Court heard Dudley was at the Lincoln South Football Club on October 31, 2019 when police came to arrest him for unrelated matters.

“You began to struggle and called out to your brother KD, ‘help me, help me. Smash them, smash them, bro’,” Judge Paul Slattery said during sentencing.

Dudley was able to free himself and ran through the gaming room.

The victim followed Dudley and grabbed him.

“The complainant leant down towards you and took hold of your arm while you were thrashing around and screaming,” Judge Slattery said.

“The complainant heard a pop come from his right knee and his knee gave way.”

Dudley was eventually placed under arrest.

The victim had torn a ligament in his knee and required a total knee reconstruction.

Jamahl Dudley was jailed for ten months for causing harm to a police officer during his arrest. Picture: Facebook

Dudley, of Port Lincoln, had previously pleaded guilty to resisting a police officer and causing harm.

“You have lacked good role models in your life and while you were growing up you were exposed to violence and drug use,” Judge Slattery said.

The court heard Dudley, who is a father-of-two, started consuming drugs from a young age.

“Your main priority is to be a father and to be a good role model for these children,” Judge Slattery said.

“You also see it as important to mature and be a role model for the rest of your family.”

Judge Slattery described the body-worn camera footage as “a very violent incident”.

“That violent struggle commenced almost immediately upon the police speaking to you, and placing their hands upon you,” he said.

“The struggle became more physical and more violent, until you were subdued by at least three police officers and you were handcuffed.”

Judge Slattery sentenced Dudley to ten months jail.

“This offending was serious as your actions resulted in significant emotional distress and ongoing physical injury to the complainant who was acting in the lawful execution of his duty in placing you under arrest,” he said.