Tyson Borg sentenced for assaulting police at Gatton’s Royal Hotel

A man who kneed a female police officer in the chest at a Queensland hotel became so violent extraordinary measures had to be taken.

Tyson Zacharie Borg kneed a female police officer in the chest at the Royal Gatton Hotel. Generic image.

A man who kneed a female police officer in the chest during an incident at a Queensland hotel, has been sentenced.

Tyson Zacharie Borg, 24, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to assault police while adversely affected in public, wilful damage, public nuisance in the vicinity of licensed premises, and three counts of obstructing police in public while adversely affected.

The court heard in June 2022, Borg was at the Royal Hotel Gatton when he became angry and started screaming and yelling.

It was told he punched a window and patrons got involved in a bid to calm him down before police arrived.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Merrilyn Hoskins said after police arrived at the hotel, they tried to arrest Borg.

“He’s become so violent that the ambulance have had to attend and sedate him, which... by the time the ambulance have to attend and sedate somebody is the equivalent of police showing up and presenting a firearm,” Sgt Hoskins said.

“In this instance, the major charge with this offender is the serious assault police.

“While police (were) trying to restrain him and control his legs, he’s pivoted his hips towards (a female constable), raised his right knee in the air and he’s put his knee back and struck her in her chest, which caused her to be winded but being a female, would cause her additional pain as well.”

Gladstone Courthouse.

Sgt Hoskins said Borg continued to obstruct police.

Borg had a four-page criminal history which included a previous public nuisance offence, and he was on probation at the time of committing the latest offences before the court.

The prosecution sought restitution for the damaged window and compensation for the assaulted police officer.

Solicitor Stephen White said Borg, who was well qualified in construction, had moved to Gladstone to help family members there.

In relation to the offending, Mr White said Borg was intoxicated at the time and accepted that he acted immaturely.

“He’s very remorseful (for what he did) - he certainly understands the consequences of his actions,” Mr White said.

Mr White said Borg had stayed out of trouble for the past two years since this offending.

Magistrate Mary Buchanan sentenced Borg to six months’ jail, wholly suspended for an operational period of 12 months.

She also ordered he perform 160 hours of unpaid community service, pay $336 restitution for the damaged window and $1200 compensation to the police officer.

Convictions were recorded.