Rodney Jason Denyer assaults police officer while trying to avoid arrest at Ballina in northern NSW

A North Coast man previously caught selling meth to sex workers – who claimed an illicit cache of weapons was used to clean up the streets – has now slammed a gate into a cop’s face. Here’s the latest.

Rodney Jason Denyer, 52, outside Lismore Local Court. Picture: The Northern Star/Gianni Francis

A North Coast man previously caught selling meth to sex workers – who claimed an illicit cache of weapons was used to clean up the streets – has now slammed a gate into a cop’s face.

Rodney Jason Denyer faced Ballina Local Court on Friday pleading guilty to assaulting a police officer and causing actual bodily harm, as well as resisting police.

In 2023, Denyer faced Lismore Local Court, pleading guilty to drug dealing, firearms, dishonesty and weapon offences.

Magistrate Michael Dakin rejected arguments by self-proclaimed Ballina vigilante Denyer that he was simply a “concerned citizen looking out for the community”.

“Supplying meth, really?” Mr Dakin exclaimed at the time.

Police state in court documents tendered on Friday that the 52-year-old was “a known warrant offender” and “a high-risk domestic violence offender”.

Richmond Police officers were alerted to Denyer’s whereabouts by Coffs police. They visited a Ballina address with a 1.8 metre tall fence about 10.30am on July 12 last year.

Police spoke to Denyer through a gate which was partially open and told him they needed to get into the house to search for a known offender with outstanding warrants.

Denyer asked for a search warrant and refused, proceeding to “fully close the gate in an attempt to avoid police entry”.

Denyer was arrested after a struggle.

“The victim tried to keep the gate open and Denyer pushed the gate into the officer’s forehead, causing immediate pain,” police state.

A second policeman tried to arrest Denyer and a struggle ensued.

Denyer fell “backwards onto a parked car before going onto the ground” and “grabbed hold” of officers to avoid arrest.

Denyer held his arms stiff to avoid being cuffed, but was eventually taken to Ballina Police Station.

He was assessed for injuries including a nosebleed and a small cut to the back of his head, police state.

Denyer also pleaded guilty to drug driving after he was busted with methamphetamines (ice) and THC (from cannabis) in his body on October 14 last year.

Defence Lawyer Rebecca Witchard told the court Denyer needed to go to hospital after he was knocked to the ground in handcuffs.

“He didn’t appreciate that police had authority to get into the house without a warrant and he didn’t understand police legally had access to search the premise,” she said.

Ballina Court House. Picture: Savannah Pocock

“He apologised to police officers at the station, which demonstrated remorse, and while he has a lengthy criminal history, the charges are of a different nature.

But Ms Witchard conceded: “The offending is aggravated as he was subject to a community correction order.”

Ms Witchard said Denyer had a mental health care plan and previously completed community service work without issues.

Magistrate Karen Stafford said police should be able to go to work without being injured, but added “it wasn’t a direct assault – it was more a reckless action”.

“You were wounded too, but those injuries wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t hinder police,” she told Denyer.

He was sentenced to a nine-month intensive correction order with supervision.

Denyer was also convicted, fined $1000 and ordered to complete 80 hours of community service.