Michael James Celestine Sheehan pepper sprayed during drunken melee, Dalby Magistrates Court told

A 26-year-old Dalby man has faced court for drunkenly assaulting two police officers who were taking his friend into custody.

Australian Hotel Dalby

A Dalby man has fronted court after he drunkenly assaulted two police officers who were arresting his female companion.

Michael James Celestine Sheehan, 26, fronted Dalby Magistrates Court on Tuesday, pleading guilty to two counts of serious assault, failing to leave a premises and obstructing police duties.

The court was told that on August 31, 2024, Sheehan and a woman were at the Australian Hotel Dalby when the “grossly intoxicated” pair were asked to leave by staff.

An argument then reportedly ensued with the pair refusing to leave before police were called and they walked out on their own accord.

When police arrived they attempted to interview Sheehan, who initially failed to give his name before later giving them false names.

The court was told Sheehan’s female companion then walked back to the pub’s entry way and began arguing with police, at which point she was arrested.

Sheehan was reportedly enraged by this and screamed “you’re not taking her” before lunging at the officers and initiating a melee.

During the scuffle both officers were struck with one being hit in the head by Sheehan’s “flailing arms” at which point they used capsicum spray.

During the melee one of the officer’s body cams was also knocked from his chest.

For his offending, magistrate Kathleen Payne sentenced Sheehan to 120 hours of community service. No conviction was recorded.