Michael Alan Smirfitt sentenced for smashing police car with baseball bat after pushbike chase

A baseball-bat wielding Townsville man who was knocked off his pushbike during a police chase got so angry that it took being tased multiple times to stop his rampage.

Townsville Court House. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A baseball-bat wielding man who was knocked off his pushbike during a police chase got so angry that it took being tased multiple times to stop his rampage.

Police were called to Queensland Country Bank on July 13, 2021, after Michael Alan Smiriftt and another man were reported “making a nuisance” in the foyer.

Officers in an unmarked car later saw Smirfitt, 48, riding his pushbike on the street and activated their lights and sirens.

In footage played to Townsville District Court, Smirfitt was seen riding away from police through a car park and along a street, and turning his head to look at the police car following behind.

The car turned into a driveway which intersected a footpath, and Smirfitt was seen to collide with the vehicle before drawing a baseball bat and launching himself to the side of the vehicle.

Michael Alan Smirfitt. Picture: Supplied.

Glass from the side mirrors and passenger side window was seen spraying across the windshield.

Crown prosecutor Tom Hancock told the court Smirfitt smashed the mirror and window with the bat, before striking the passenger door and shattering glass on officer inside.

Two officers had to taser Smirfitt in order to arrest him.

Smirfitt pleaded guilty to one count each of wilful damage and serious assault while armed, and two counts of serious assault over the incident.

Mr Hancock described Smirfitt’s behaviour as a “gross and disproportionate” response.

It was heard he had since spent 144 days in presentence custody.

Defence barrister Michael Hibble told Judge Jennifer Rosengren that his client had not been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time – and said his client had become “angry” after being knocked off his bike.

But Judge Rosengren called Smirfitt’s behaviour “bizarre”.

“He’s carrying around a bat,” Judge Rosengren said.

“It’s worrying offending and his explanation is that he was angry …”.

Mr Hibble said Smirfitt now lived and worked with his sister at her property near Yeppoon, and was now medicated for anxiety.

“Your behaviour is nothing short of appalling,” Judge Rosengren said in sentencing.

Smirfitt was sentenced to 15 months jail, suspended immediately for an operational period of two years.

Originally published as Michael Alan Smirfitt sentenced for smashing police car with baseball bat after pushbike chase