Goonellabah man Mark Andrew Lee pleads guilty to assaulting police in Byron Bay while highly intoxicated
An officer was struck in the face and another scratched by a man found barely conscious next to a bottle of wine “with a pile of vomit close by” in Byron Bay. Here’s what happened.
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Police were forced to use capsicum spray to control a drunk Goonellabah man after he scratched an officer and struck another in the face while being detained in Byron Bay CBD.
Mark Andrew Lee pleaded guilty through audiovisual link at Byron Bay Local Court to common assault, assault causing actual bodily harm and hindering/resisting police.
Officers were called to the corner of Bay Lane and Jonson St about 9.30pm on July 23.
Lee, 35, was found highly intoxicated and fading in and out of consciousness.
“Lee was lying on the ground with a pile of vomit close by and an open bottle of red wine,” police state in court documents.
“He sat up in a seated position, where he was seen to be swaying and his eyes glassy.”
Lee was evidently not in a good way and had vomit stains on his clothing.
Police asked for his name and he replied: “Suck my d--k.”
Officers asked if there was a responsible person available who could assist him, but Lee was not able to name anyone.
Police detained Lee because he was a drunk person in a public place.
As he was escorted to the caged police car, Lee lashed out at officers.
“I‘ll take your f--king head off. Let me go,” Lee said.
Lee scratched an officer on his forearm and drew blood while four officers attempted to restrain his arms.
Lee tried to punch the officers and used his arms and legs to kick out at them.
“During the melee, Lee impacted the face of an officer causing his glasses to fall off his head and crack the frame,” police state.
Officers hit Lee with capsicum spray to prevent him injuring himself or the officers further.
“He was administered a burst of oleoresin capsicum spray to the face to prevent further violence,” police state.
Lee was handcuffed and taken to Byron Bay Police Station.
An officer is seeking $300 compensation for the replacement of prescription glasses.
Lee faced court on September 4 and his case has been adjourned to September 18.
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