Danial Noel Woods attacked man at Brunswick Heads drum circle

An armed Byron Shire man entered a hippie drum circle and threatened to stab a peace-loving dancer before he was arrested and bit a cop. Here’s how he was dealt with in court.

Daniel Noel Woods faced Byron Bay Local Court on Tuesday.

An armed Byron Shire man entered a hippie drum circle and threatened to stab a peace-loving dancer before he was arrested and bit a cop.

Ocean Shores man Danial Noel Woods fronted Byron Bay Local Court on Tuesday after being found guilty of assaulting a police officer, causing actual bodily harm and being armed to commit an indictable offence.

The 48-year-old was also found guilty of having a knife in a public place, intimidation and committing an offence after having a previous conviction.

The court heard Woods waved a pocket knife at a man dancing in the drum circle at Brunswick Heads at about 6pm on December 18 last year.

It was heard in court Woods then threatened to kill the man.

Woods was at a peace-loving hippie drum circle before he erupted. Picture: Thinkstock.

Woods left the scene and returned to the ceremony armed with a hunting knife – which had young families in attendance – and screamed at the same man: “I will stab you”, the court heard.

The offender was arrested and taken to Byron Bay Police Station. An officer was escorting Woods through the station to be hospitalised when he bit the officer on the arm.

The officer suffered punctured skin, red marks and lacerations where Woods had bitten him, the court heard.

During the sentencing, Woods represented himself. He told the court he was remorseful for his actions and was taking mechanic courses to obtain gainful employment.

“I’m looking into rehab but I couldn’t go with these court matters hanging over my head,” he told the Magistrate.

“I have no support and it’s been a hard time.”

Police prosecutor Nathan Lockett said Woods demonstrated “terrifying behaviour” and that community safety was of “paramount concern”.

Woods bit an officer inside Byron Bay Police Station.

“His behaviour would have been very frightening for witnesses,” he said.

“The officer had shown nothing but patience and Woods bit him on the arm, which was quite distressing.”

Mr Lockett said the offender had a long criminal history with similar offences and he showed a low level of insight into his own behaviour.

Magistrate Karen Stafford said Woods had incited a fight with numerous threats.

“The offending consisted of a pursuit of a victim who had done nothing to provoke a loss of self-control,” she said.

Ms Stafford said Woods was resistant to mental health treatment and the court needed to recognise the harm done along with deterring people from being armed in public.

Woods was sentenced to two years in jail with a 10-month non-parole period. He was given guidance to address drug addiction.

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