Beau Daniel Groenendyk in Coffs court pleads guilty to assaulting police

A skipper who went on a bender while his boat was docked in Coffs Harbour ended up in a watch-house charged with assaulting police and resisting arrest.

A fishing boat skipper was charged with offences after stopping at Coffs Harbour.

The skipper of a fishing boat on its way to Ulladulla stopped in at Coffs Harbour and went on a drinking bender, landing him behind bars.

Beau Daniel Groenendyk appeared in Coffs Harbour Local Court via audiovisual link on Monday.

The 40-year-old had been in police custody since the incident happened the day before.

The court heard that he did not remember much of the incident and that he had been drinking over a long period of time.

Mr Groenendyk is the skipper of a fishing vessel with three crew working for him.

His mother lives in Coffs Harbour.

He was charged with assaulting a police officer in the execution of duty without causing actual bodily harm.

The skipper was also charged with two counts of resisting or hindering a police officer in the execution of duty.

He pleaded guilty to all three charges.

The court heard he punched a man in the face before he came to the attention of police.

When police attended to investigate, Mr Groenendyk walked away and violently resisted arrest.

“He is not generally speaking a violent man unless alcohol is involved,” Mr Groenendyk’s lawyer told the court.

Magistrate Ian Rodgers agreed.

“There is very clearly an issue with alcohol,” Mr Rodgers said.

Mr Groenendyk was allowed bail to live with his mother on a number of conditions including abstaining from alcohol and to report to Coffs Harbour Police Station every day.

He must not enter any licensed premises or take any alcohol or drugs and must undergo testing to ensure he complies.

His matter was adjourned for sentencing on March 21.