Illawarra dad Joseph Both jailed after Anzac Day incident
A father of two has found out his fate for a string of offences at a Fairy Meadow motel on Anzac Day, this year.
Illawarra Star
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A Fairy Meadow man who pinned a female police officer against a railing after trying to storm into a crime scene has copped his punishment.
Joseph Malcolm Both, 45, was sentenced in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday following previous guilty pleas to two counts of assaulting a police officer, resisting an officer, hindering the execution of a warrant and affray.
Documents tendered in court said Both and three other men were in his room at the Cabbage Tree Motel in Fairy Meadow at about 3.20pm on Anzac Day this year.
A fight broke out, leaving one of the men with a stab wound on his thigh and forearm which required treatment at Wollongong Hospital.
Police rushed to the address where Both was arrested and taken to Wollongong Command while a crime scene was established.
Due to a lack of evidence, Both was released from custody pending an investigation.
The crime scene was still in place when Both returned, but after he was told he could not enter, he said, “No, I’m going to my f**king room”, before shouldering a male officer.
The documents stated Both resisted being arrested with a scuffle that led to a policewoman being pinned against a railing.
She was assisted by other officers who were able to subdue Both and handcuff him.
On Tuesday, the court heard the father of two has been using illicit substances to treat the “emotional distress” caused by family issues.
The court also heard of Both‘s “extensive record which doesn’t assist him”, with his lawyer adding he was ”at risk of becoming institutionalised”.
Magistrate Claire Girotto noted Both‘s “remorse” and said he “was in a bad place at the time” before sentencing him to six months behind bars – a majority of which has already been served.
Ms Girotto also placed Both on a two-year community correction order and instructed him to re-engage with his psychologist.
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