Christopher James Swan assaults police after restraining brother from chainsaw

A Bayside flight attendant has seriously assaulted two police officers called to his property after he restrained his brother with cable ties, to prevent him from operating a chainsaw, while intoxicated.

Bayside flight attendant Christopher James Swan seriously assaulted two police officers called to his property after he restrained his brother with cable ties, stopping him from operating a chainsaw, while intoxicated.

A Bayside flight attendant who cable tied his brother’s hands together to stop him from drunkenly using a chainsaw has pleaded guilty to punching two police officers who attended the chaos, causing their faces to bleed.

Christopher James Swan appeared “ashamed” before the Cleveland Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The 29-year-old REX Airlines employee pleaded guilty two counts of seriously assaulting a police officer causing bodily harm.

Police prosecutor Lisa Pye said officers attended a Capalaba address on March 22, 2023 to complete a welfare check.

“Officers arrived at 5pm and spoke to the defendant who had been drinking and was concerned for his brother who wanted to drunkenly start up a chainsaw,” Sergeant Pye said.

“He cable tied (his brother’s) arms together,” she said.

The court heard that Swan’s brother declined to be transported via ambulance due to his level of intoxication.

Swan went into his house to drive his brother to the hospital himself, the court was told.

Sergeant Pye said police endeavoured to stop Swan from driving his car.

“He refused to listen and became continually agitated,” Sergeant Pye said.

“He slammed his head on the door before entering his vehicle and threatening to drive from the address.

“Officers took up with the defendant sitting in his car with the keys in the ignition,” she said.

Swan is employed by Rex Airlines.

Swan locked the doors and the officer drew his extendible baton and said he would smash the windscreen if Swan did not co-operate, the court heard.

“Swan turned off his vehicle and handed the keys to police, he pushed the driver’s door into the female officer,” Sergeant Pye said.

Swan struck both the female and male officers’ faces with closed fists, causing both to bleed.

“He was eventually restrained and transported to the watch-house,” Sergeant Pye said.

Defence lawyer Anne Connell said Swan was significantly affected by stress.

“He was very intoxicated and genuinely believed the police were trying to smash his car keys.

“He is deeply embarrassed and ashamed,” she said.

Swan issued an apology to the court.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said she was prepared to not record a conviction.

Swan was sentenced to community service and ordered to pay $1000 compensation to both officers.