Richard Campbell Crosskill pleads guilty to common assault after trying to punch Byron Shire animal enforcement officer

A man lost his cool with a Byron council officer, resulting in a chase around a toilet block and the dog owner’s eventual arrest.

The toilet block at Torakina Beach in Brunswick Heads. Picture: Google

A man tried to punch a Byron Shire Council animal enforcement officer in the face after being told his dog was not allowed in the area.

Ocean Shores man Richard Campbell Crosskill, 40, pleaded guilty at Mullumbimby Local Court on March 8 to common assault.

The council officer was patrolling Torakina Beach at Brunswick Heads when he saw Crosskill with his kelpie off lead in a dog-prohibited area about 9am on October 15 last year, court documents state.

The officer introduced himself to Crosskill and said he could be fined $330 for his dog being in the area, and for having his dog off lead.

Crosskill was not complying with council restrictions, court documents state.

“Crosskill started making smart remarks,” police state in court documents.

The officer said he was going to check the dog’s microchip and reached towards its neck.

“Crosskill rushed towards the victim and took a swipe at the scanner,” the documents state.

The council officer took a step back and “Crosskill used his left hand and threw a left hook towards the victim’s head”.

Crosskill swung at the council officer, but missed.

The officer pulled back and “the punch just missed”.

Activating his body-worn camera, the officer followed Crosskill as he walked away and told him his dog needed to be scanned.

“Crosskill started running away and the victim gave chase,” the documents state.

“Crosskill ran over the Brunswick Heads Beach towards the toilet block and started doing laps around it.”

The dog remained off-leash, but followed Crosskill.

Torakina Beach in Brunswick Heads. Picture: Karl Chong

“You tried to hit me,” the council officer said.

“Yeah, but I didn‘t, did I?” Crosskill replied.

Crosskill got in his car and drove away as the victim informed police about the incident, passing on the vehicle’s registration plates.

Police spoke to Crosskill a short time later and he denied any assault.

He told police “some guy” tried to grab his dog.

Police asked Crosskill if he knew the man was a council officer and he said he did.

The officer was “shaken up” by the altercation, according to the documents.

The case has been adjourned to April 5.