Man pleads guilty to assaulting police at Liverpool’s Collingwood Hotel

The partner of a man accused of assaulting police after birthday drinks at a Liverpool hotel spiralled out of control has apologised, saying the incident was “out of character”.

Junior Filipo pleaded guilty to four charges, including assault officer in execution of duty.

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The partner of a man accused of assaulting police after birthday drinks at a Liverpool hotel spiralled out of control has apologised, saying the incident was “out of character”.

Junior Filipo, 26, today appeared at Liverpool Local Court and pleaded guilty to assault officer in execution of duty causing actual bodily harm, assault officer in execution of duty, resist police, and excluded person fail to leave premises when required.

As part of his bail application, the court heard Mr Filipo, a storeman, had a clean record and strong community ties.

He was granted conditional bail and is required to report to Bankstown Police Station.

Mr Filipo was also prohibited from consuming alcohol in a public place.

Mr Filipo’s partner Memory Eliu, speaking outside Liverpool Local Court.

His partner Memory Eliu, with whom he has a one-year-old son, said Mr Filipo’s birthday celebrations with family at the Collingwood Hotel on Tuesday “escalated” when his younger brother Edward Soo was refused a drink.

Police were called about 2.30am and as Ms Eliu and her sister led Mr Soo away from the hotel, Mr Filipo allegedly became involved in a confrontation with officers.

Police allege Mr Filipo did not comply with instructions to leave the premises, resisting officers as they moved to arrest him.

Mr Filipo was taken to Liverpool Police Station.

He allegedly elbowed a male senior constable in the ribs and punched a male sergeant in the face before attempting to bite his leg.

Police eventually subdued him with tasers and OC spray.

The sergeant sustained bruising and swelling to the face and hand as a result of the incident.

Ms Eliu said she apologised to the officer on behalf of her partner.

“I understand police were upset and one of them got hit,” she said.

“When he (Mr Filipo) got up, he was also saying sorry. I do understand police had their jobs to do as well. He didn’t leave and that’s what happened, but just hopefully he gets help.

“It’s a bit disappointing. It’s hard, but it’s out of character. He’s not like this.”

The matter has been adjourned to April 30 at Liverpool Local Court.