Kosta Tyhalas sentenced for assaulting two police officers in Glenelg

A reveller who punched two police officers during New Year’s festivities at Glenelg had his actions slammed as “reprehensible” by a magistrate.

A teenager who bashed two police officers during New Years’ festivities had his actions slammed as “reprehensible” by a magistrate.

Fuelled by liquor, Kosta Tyhalas, 19, left one officer with bruising and swelling after police confronted him and his friends about drinking in a dry zone.

A police prosecutor told the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday police were patrolling Moseley Square in Glenelg in the early hours of January 1.

The court heard police stopped a group of people who were drinking alcohol in a dry zone.

“One of the males in the group became argumentative and began swearing at police,” the prosecutor said.

Kosta Tyhalas pleaded guilty to assaulting police. Photo: Instagram

The court heard when police moved in to apprehend members of the group Tyhalas swung his right arm and punched one police officer to the cheek and another officer to the left side of his jaw.

Tyhalas then resisted as police tried to take him to the ground.

The court heard Tyhalas was taken to Glenelg police station where he returned a blood-alcohol reading of 0.115.

“As a result of the assault, one officer sustained bruising, swelling and soreness to his left cheek and required first aid treatment,” the prosecutor said.

Tyhalas, of Goodwood, pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting police and one count of resisting police.

Benjamin Newell, for Tyhalas, told the court his client had been out with friends at the time of the offending and consumed a large amount of beer.

“Police wanted to take the alcohol away from one of his friends and that’s when the incident started,” he said.

“He says that his conduct was a mistake and he regrets his actions.”

Magistrate Brett Dixon said a period of imprisonment for Tyhalas’ offending was well within the sentencing range.

“Your actions are reprehensible and I can ensure that not only police officers but any emergency workers deserve and will get the protection of this court,” he said.

However, due to his young age Tyhalas was handed an 18-month, $500 behaviour bond.

Convictions were recorded.