Caleb Barth faces Yeppoon court for cop assault

A police officer was assaulted after authorities attended a Capricorn Coast home in response to a Triple-0 call.

A police officer was assaulted after authorities attended a house at Mulara on the Capricorn Coast. Generic image.

A man has faced court after he elbowed a police sergeant in the chest during an incident at a Capricorn Coast home.

Caleb Ethan Barth, 19, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on April 27 to obstructing and assaulting police.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Darrell Dalton said that at 10.30am on February 5, police officers attended a Mulara residence after Barth phoned Triple-0 and said he was being bashed.

Sgt Dalton said when officers arrived at the house, they spoke to Barth’s mother and his stepfather who said that Barth had called Triple-0 from inside the house.

Sgt Dalton said when officers found Barth, he stood up and started walking towards them.

“He (Barth) lifted his arm and elbow and used his elbow to strike (the police sergeant) in the chest area as he walked past that officer,” Sgt Dalton said.

The prosecutor said police then attempted to restrain Barth who did not comply with directions given to him.

“He was ultimately restrained - he struggled against police and refused to place his hands behind his back ,” Sgt Dalton said.

The court heard Barth had no criminal history.

Solicitor Ken Spinaze said Barth had been experiencing mental health issues and since this incident with police, he had been medicated and placed on a mental health plan, having seen a GP.

Mr Spinaze said Barth was still working as a labourer with his current employer of two months.

Mr Spinaze tendered two documents to show Barth’s “good character” including one from a former employer.

Before handing down penalty, Magistrate Grace Kahlert noted that Barth had “a very good work history.”

Ms Kahlert fined Bath $400 and no conviction was recorded.