Rhys Darby Harman sentenced for spitting on Ipswich security guard in “degrading” assault

A young man who was jumping a fence and tampering with a locked gate in the Ipswich CBD spat on a security guard who caught him in the act, a court has heard.

A 20-year-old man’s attack on an Ipswich security guard has landed him on probation after his behaviour was slammed as being “disgusting and dehumanising.”

Rhys Darby Harman was loitering in Ipswich City Mall on the night of August 20 when a security guard found him attempting to climb a fence which backed on to an alley.

The guard told Harman to stop but the 20-year-old became “belligerent and antagonistic”, yelling and swearing at the guard who left.

The guard later found Harman later and approached him as he tampered with a locked gate, the Ipswich Magistrates Court heard.

Harman walked away but turned around to spit at the security who jumped back.

His saliva landed on the ground and some on the security guard’s shirt.

Rhys Darby Harman leaves Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Harman pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one charge each of common assault and public nuisance.

Police prosecutor Nicholas Turnbull said it was a “disgusting and dehumanising” act to spit on another person.

Sergeant Turnbull said Harman’s youth and early plea should be taken into consideration in his favour and submitted that he be placed on probation.

Defence lawyer Matthew Fairclough said Harman had autism, PTSD, a developmental disorder and a low IQ.

Magistrate Robert Walker said any assault involving spitting was a serious offence and must be strongly condemned.

He said it was degrading, humiliating and had the potential to transmit diseases.

“It’s a very bad thing to do,” he said.

Magistrate Walker sentenced Harman to 12 months on probation and no convictions were recorded.