Caiden Bolitho pleads guilty to affray, assault of cop at Murrumbateman

An East Jindabyne civil construction worker in the midst of a drug haze has lashed out against an off-duty cop after he was found passed out with a friend in his car.

Caiden William Bolitho faced Queanbeyan Local Court on July 31, 2023. Picture: Sam Turner

A good Samaritan police officer who checked on two drugged out men in their car at Murrumbateman ended up being bashed and threatened by the pair, a court has heard.

Caiden William Bolitho woke out of his drug haze with his co-accused on the evening of March 3 to find an off duty cop checking on their welfare.

The 20-year-old would then set upon, punch and intimidate the police sergeant.

Agreed facts tendered to Queanbeyan Local Court on Monday state the East Jindabyne man and his mate were seen parked awkwardly on the Barton Hwy by the NSW Police sergeant about 8.15pm.

The off duty officer checked on Bolitho and his friend to see if they needed help, to find them both unconscious in the car with the headlights and engine on.

Caiden William Bolitho leaving Queanbeyan Local Court.

Police say when the officer opened the door, both men suddenly jumped out of the car and became aggressive and intimidating.

The facts say the officer showed his badge to both men and announced he was a cop, to which Bolitho replied “I’ll stab you”.

Bolitho then punched the cop in the head several times before a wrestle ensued as the besieged officer tried to arrest the 20-year-old.

The officer retreated from the scene after he was then “menaced” and threatened by the other man.

The East Jindabyne man then picked up a stone and damaged the officer’s personal car.

Police finally arrived and arrested Bolitho, who was later found with a small amount of marijuana.

Caiden William Bolitho.

Defence lawyer Tyson Brown said “drug fuelled violence” in any form was unacceptable, with the serious police affray occurring in the midst of a “significant drug habit”.

Mr Brown said the civil construction labourer did not know the off-duty cop was a police officer but could not recall the entire encounter.

The court heard Bolitho was committed to his rehabilitation and had a mental health plan.

Magistrate Roger Clisdell said the affray was “absolutely disgraceful” but cited the work Bolitho had done to better himself.

Bolitho pleaded guilty to affray, assault police and possess prohibited drug and was sentenced to an 18 month community correction order.

Mr Clisdell dismissed the drug charge. Convictions were only recorded for the assault offences.