Andrew Louder Young pleads guilty to police assault, obstruction

A prison social worker, charged with obstructing and assaulting a police officer during a drunken outburst, has fronted Cleveland Magistrates Court.

A prison social worker, charged with obstructing and assaulting a police officer during a drunken outburst, has fronted Cleveland Magistrates Court. Picture: FILE

A Wacol Corrections social worker who spent his first night behind bars after drunken outbursts and the assault of a police officer, at his home, has fronted Cleveland Magistrates Court.

Andrew Louder Young, 59, pleaded guilty to obstructing a police officer and assaulting a police officer on November 27, 2023.

Young, who has never before faced a courtroom, was belligerent with police as they arrived at his home around 4.25pm, the court was told.

A Police Prosecutor said police attended Young’s Victoria Point home to follow up on a dispute.

“He was hostile and argumentative and was advised he was being detained, to which he said “I’m always f —king detained,” the Sergeant said.

“He was advised to not obstruct police and refused to put down his wine glass, he stepped towards the officer while swearing and pushed him in the chest causing the officer to stumble backwards,” she said.

The court heard Young was informed he was under arrest for assaulting an officer and struggled with police performing their duty while trying to cuff him.

“At 4.55pm he was taken to the watch-house to be charged and while there was arguing, telling police ‘You c----s can walk me in there’,” the Sergeant said.

“He struggled with police as they forcibly moved him into his cell.

“He was unable to be interviewed due to his level of intoxication,” she said.

Young’s lawyer said he had no criminal history and thankfully the officer suffered no resulting injuries.

“I tender a psychiatric report which shows he had a traumatic experience at work,” a lawyer said.

“He understands his detrimental behaviour,” she said.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said she would take Young’s guilty plea into consideration when determining his sentence and accepted his actions were “extremely out of character”.

“You were going through some work related health issues,” Ms Vasta said.

Young was placed on a six-month good behaviour bond $400 recognisance.

No convictions were recorded.