Waterford West man handed 17 month suspended prison sentence for attack on cop

A Waterford West man has been sentenced for a drunken, violent attack on a female police officer that left her with injuries including a split lip.

A 39-year old Waterford West man who drunkenly headbutted a female police officer has received a 17-month suspended prison sentence.

Grant Markham appeared at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on charges of assaulting a police officer and wilful damage of police property.

On February 19 the defendant was arrested for assault and refused arrest aggressively.

He was heavily intoxicated and while inside the police van, kicked at the doors of the vehicle causing damage to the police property.

Markham was grabbed on the arm by a female police officer in an effort to get him back into the police van and he threw his head forcefully in her direction.

She sustained a split on her lips, bruising and swelling to the face.

Waterford West man Grant Markham. Picture: Facebook

Magistrate Tracy Mossop said the Waterford West man’s behaviour was largely due to alcohol abuse and imprisonment was the only option.

“What speaks poorly of you is how you conduct yourself when you are in police presence,” she said.

“Clearly in the context of alcohol and its relationship, you have returned to being a violent person.”

The court heard Markham was diagnosed with ADHD and had a history of alcohol abuse.

The defendant’s legal counsel said Markham’s plan was to stay away from alcohol and undertake work as a landscaper.

The defendant received a 17-month suspended prison sentence and was released on parole, having already served six months.

He was also requested to complete 40 hours of unpaid community service.