Brevet Sergeant Andrew Smith tells court his life was altered forever by Jamie Scott Dempsey’s assault

A police officer assaulted on the job has told of his ongoing pain – and fear of again being assaulted at work, a court has heard.

For almost 25 years Brevet Sergeant Andrew Smith enjoyed serving the community as a police officer.

It all changed in November when he was viciously assaulted by Jamie Scott Dempsey who had been damaging cars on Robsart St, Parkside on November 8, 2020.

Dempsey damaged the officer’s neck and teeth and sparked a three-hour siege with police that involved STAR Group officers.

Brevet Sergeant Andrew Smith leaves the District Court on Wednesday morning. Picture: Jordanna Schriever

Brevet Sergeant Smith read a victim impact statement in the District Court on Wednesday, outlining his ongoing suffering, including having to wear braces after losing a tooth, and having another pushed into his gum.

“Since the assault I am now frightened to go to work … I fear that I am going to be assaulted again,” he said.

Dempsey, 35, of Parkside has pleaded guilty to two counts of recklessly causing harm, after also injuring another officer’s knee.

Brevet Sergeant Smith said he had suffered multiple assaults at work, but none were as serious as the damage Dempsey had caused.

“(The assault) changed my life in so many ways,” he said. “At the moment I have to take 24 tablets a day to manage my pain. Two thirds of these tablets have been prescribed by the doctor as they are so strong. Even with these medications my pain is always there.”

He said he fears waking up in the morning because he is unsure how extensive his pain – which is constant throughout the day – will feel.

He said his attitude to de-escalating violent and aggressive situations has changed and he now feels he needs to use force sooner to ensure his own safety.

“I’ve always looked for ways to de-escalate confrontational situations as I dislike resorting to physical force,” he said.

“Dempsey, there was no way to de-escalate your behaviour and gain your peaceful surrender.”

He said his resulting injuries were both painful and embarrassing.

STAR Group officers were called to the siege at Parkside. Picture: 7 News

He now wears braces that are a daily reminder of the assault, requires a special chair to sit in at work and cannot sit for too long.

His injures also affected his home and family life, and he is unable to play with his children as he once could. He also struggles to perform basic tasks like hanging out the washing or mowing the lawn.

Despite all of his suffering, Brevet Sergeant Smith said he accepted an apology letter from Dempsey.

“I am sure that his apology is sincere and he is taking responsibility for his behaviour,” he said.

“I just wish he had taken responsibility prior … and done the right and decent thing on that day rather than the (assault) which changed my life in so many ways.”

Dempsey will return to court next month for another pre-sentence hearing.