Batemans Bay man Jake Chatfield pleads guilty to punching police officer during drunken brawl

A south coast environmental ranger who threatened to fight police during a drunken altercation on the south coast had his nose broken when he was struck with a “hammer fist” and thrown to the ground.

Jake Jed Chatfield, 46, of Batehaven pleaded guilty at Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday to resisting and assaulting police. Picture: Nathan Schmidt

A Batemans Bay man whose nose was broken during an altercation with police earlier this year had challenged officers to a fight only moments earlier, a court has heard.

Jake Jed Chatfield, 46, of Batehaven, pleaded guilty at Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday to failing to leave a premises, attempting re-entry when refused, remaining in the vicinity after being refused, refusing police direction, offensive behaviour, and assaulting a police officer.

Police were attending the Moruya Waterfront Hotel Motel on April 9 at 8.30pm to conduct a business inspection when they saw Chatfield arguing with staff and at one point raising his fists in a fighting pose.

“Police informed Chatfield he was required to leave the premises,” agreed police facts reveal.

“Chatfield simply stated: ‘I’ll f*****g fight you as well’ and continued to be quarrelsome.”

Chatfield was escorted outside where he told police “all he wanted to do was fight” and that he’d “f*****g box ya”.

While police assessed Chatfield’s identification, he attempted to re-enter the hotel before being removed again.

He continued to yell “f**k off”, and became physical with officers, agreed facts reveal.

Police escorted Chatfield towards a motel, but he dropped his body weight, causing police to land on top of him.

He was raised back to his feet and given another ‘move on’ order, but he instead punched a nearby payphone.

Jake Jed Chatfield, 46, of Batehaven pleaded guilty at Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday to resisting and assaulting police. Picture: Nathan Schmidt

Police arrested Chatfield, and were moving him to their vehicle when he dropped his weight again, landing on the ground.

At the same time, he grabbed at one of the officer’s legs.

In response, the agreed facts state the officer struck Chatfield with a hammer fist. The officer then lifted Chatfield to his feet before he fell head first onto the road.

Chatfield then attempted to wrestle the officer to the ground in a “similar method”, but was again struck before again hitting the ground.

Shortly after, Chatfield was placed into the police vehicle. After leaving the area, police checked his condition.

Throughout the ride to Batemans Bay Police Station, Chatfield kicked at the Perspex windows and doors.

Upon arrival, he continued to be aggressive towards officers and recently-arrived NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Court documents show Chatfield punched a police officer in the mouth after pulling free from emergency services.

“At this time, it took several officers to subdue him,” court documents state.

“He was conveyed to Batemans Bay Hospital where, due to his aggressive behaviour and threats to staff, he was sedated.”

During the incident, Chatfield’s lawyer said he suffered a fractured nose, lacerations to his forehead, and swelling to his cheek.

“This injury occurred when he was thrown by police onto the road,” the lawyer said.

Chatfield’s lawyer said the environmental ranger had been in a near-catatonic state throughout the incident, having been drinking heavily due to grief from a recent loss. While his criminal history was lengthy, according to the lawyer, Chatfield had sought to put his life back on track.

With support letters from Aboriginal health service Katungal, the lawyer said Chatfield was at a low risk of reoffending.

Magistrate Doug Dick fined Chatfield $1900, and ordered a 12-month community corrections order and 150 hours of community service.