One Mile dad Andrew Brocket punches himself at police station
An Ipswich father broke down in tears after punching himself during a scuffle at a watchhouse.
Police & Courts
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A One Mile father punched himself upon being told he would be brought back to the police watchhouse, a court has heard.
Andrew George Brocket, 41, faced Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday, June 17, where he pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing a police officer.
The court heard he attended a police station last Friday after an arrest warrant was issued.
Following a pat-down search, Mr Brocket was told he would be transferred to the watchhouse but became agitated and started punching himself in the head.
Multiple police officers tried to restrain him, but he continued to struggle and pulled his arms towards his body before dropping to the floor while swearing at the officers.
He was later taken to a protection cell within the watchhouse.
Mr Brocket, who appeared via videlink on Monday from the watchhouse, broke downin tears as the court was told he had allegedly been violently assaulted while in custody.
The court was also told he had autism.
“You were distressed that you shouldn’t really be taken back into custody,” Magistrate Robert Walker said.
“The job of a police officer is difficult and it’s made more difficult by people who resist — and resist violently.
“Police have to deal with any number of difficult situations.
“So it’s important that the sentence I impose reflects the principle that the court should protect police by the imposition of deterrent penalties for this sort of offending.’’
But Mr Walker said he understood Mr Brocket was considering taking action in relation to what he alleged happened to him while in custody.
“That’s a terrible situation, if that’s what’s occurred,’’ he said.
“It’s my view that the authorities that put you in custody have a responsibility for your safety and must take appropriate steps to ensure that (you’re) safe when held in prison.’’
He sentenced Brocket to one month imprisonment, suspended for six months.
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