Joseph Mackenzie pleads guilty to spitting on police officer at Ocean St

A teenage apprentice has felt “shame” after he spat on a police officer’s face in a popular Sunshine Coast party precinct, forcing the victim to get a disease test.

Joseph James Mackenzie faced leaving Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

A young Moreton Bay apprentice has narrowly avoided actual jail time for the “one off episode of stupidity” where he spat in the face of a cop on Ocean St.

Noticeable sighs of relief were heard in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday by supporters of Joseph James Mackenzie after he was given a suspended sentence for his gross act on a police officer on September 9, 2023.

Police prosecutor Brendan Newman told the court the officer felt “disgusted and violated” when the 19-year-old spat at him, which went “everywhere” including his eyes and mouth, with most of it landing on his cheek.

The court was told the officer underwent a disease test which meant his home life had to change until his results came back.

Joseph James Mackenzie leaving court.

Sergeant Newman said the Clontarf teenager was “misbehaving” in the safe night precinct in Maroochydore.

The police prosecutor accepted it was an “isolated” incident however said jail was in range after Mackenzie pleaded guilty to charges of serious assaulting police and public nuisance.

Defence lawyer Rose Killip said the offending was “out of character” for the teenager who had feelings of “guilt and shame”.

Mackenzie pleaded guilty to serious assaulting police and public nuisance.

Ms Killip said Mackenzie felt “disgusted” and how there would be a likelihood he’d lose his apprenticeship if he went into custody.

The court heard Mackenzie looked into assistance for alcohol rehabilitation and counselling. He also wrote a letter of apology to the officer.

His lawyer said the possibility of jail served as a “big wake up call” for Mackenzie.

Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist said it was “all too common” for the court to hear of offences in Ocean St, particularly those who get drunk to the extent they lose their “normal character”.

“This is worse than a physical injury, this is a psychological injury that goes on and on and on,” Mr Stjernqvist said.

Mr Stjernqvist however accepted it was a “one off episode of stupidity” but stressed there needed to be protection for police while they were in the workplace.

The Clontarf man was sentenced to eight months’ jail, suspended for 24 months. He must also pay $1000 compensation to the officer.