Scott Andrew Newton asks for freedom after alleged scratching attack on police

A 51-year-old Coolum man accused of punching, kicking and scratching police pleads for third chance at bail.

Scott Andrew Newton is accused of assaulting two police officers on May 1 in Maroochydore. Picture: File

A Coolum man accused of punching, kicking and scratching police pleaded for his third chance at bail.

Scott Andrew Newton, 51, is accused of assaulting two police officers in Maroochydore on May 1.

“The assaults include a serious assault (where) he has punched the officer in the face and scratched the officer multiple times to the face,” police prosecutor James Allen said.

Mr Allen said police will allege he also kicked another officer twice in her leg before she was able to restrain him.

One of the officers suffered two abrasions and muscle pain after the alleged attack.

During a bail application in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday, Mr Allen said Mr Newton had failed to appear in court for the matters on June 7 and August 18.

The court heard Mr Newton had already been arrested and granted bail after his first fail to appear but was currently in the Maroochydore watch-house after being taken into custody on a warrant relating to the second count.

Mr Allen said police objected to Mr Newton being released on bail for a third time.

“The clear risk is he is not going to appear in relation to these matters,” he said.

Mr Newton hasn’t entered a plea for six charges including serious assault of a police officer, assault of a police officer and being drunk in public place.

Duty lawyer Liesel Rogan said she was unable to get instructions from Mr Newton, who said he didn’t want to be in the watch house anymore.

Ms Rogan said Mr Newton, had been on a treatment order for his mental health but he didn’t agree with a schizophrenia diagnosis he had been given.

She said she had concerns about Mr Newton’s mental fitness.

“It’s my opinion that in the event that my client is proceeded for in relation to these charges there may be mental health defence open to him,” she said.

“In an event that a mental health defence was not open to him it would be very strong mitigation in relation to these matters.”

She said if remanded in custody the Coolum man, who had limited criminal history, was in danger of spending too much time behind bars.

She said weekly reporting conditions would remind Mr Newton of his court obligations and lessen the risk of him not attending.

Acting Magistrate Graham Hillan said Mr Newton was homeless and refused bail.

“ (Mr Newton) … is an unacceptable risk of failing to appear and … (he) should remain in custody for his own protection and welfare considering concerns about his mental health,” he said.

Mr Newton’s matters were adjourned to October 14.