Harley Freeman jailed for spitting at hospital worker in Geelong

A Thomson man who spat at an emergency worker in a drunken rage and hurled racist abuse towards staff has been jailed.

Harley Freeman (left) was jailed for spitting at a hospital worker.

A Thomson man who spat at an emergency worker in a drunken rage and hurled racist abuse towards staff has been jailed.

Harley Freeman, 25, was admitted to Geelong hospital after an incident involving alcohol on October 15, 2022.

He became agitated when staff decided to sedate and restrain him and began shouting threats.

Freeman pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday to assaulting an emergency worker on duty, copping a three-month jail term after previously failing two community correction orders.

The victim was taken to a special eye wash room where he was forced to wash his eyes and face with one-litre of saline after he was spat on.

Police prosecutor Kylie Gray said hospital workers were responding to an incident at the emergency department when Freeman was verbally abusive and in a heightened state.

Freeman was still abusive when police arrived on the scene, later telling officers he acted like a “f----ing idiot” because he was “just too drunk”.

Magistrate Peter Mellas said Freeman behaved in a way that was “plainly unacceptable and put people at risk” and said the offending was “just plain grubby”.

“Obviously you have a problem with alcohol. When you drink you are going to cause other people grief because that has been the pattern,” Mr Mellas said.

Although no victim impact statement was tendered to the court, Mr Mellas said the offending would no doubt have a significant impact on the victim.

“I understand you are apologetic and sorry,” he said.

“You do things that are plainly wrong..you wake up sober, regret that and repeat that behaviour”.

Freeman’s lawyer, Caetlyn Wells-Simon told the court her client was “clearly unwell” and was in hospital for a potential head injury and his level of intoxication and was “disoriented and confused” at the time.

Ms Wells-Simon said heclient had problems with alcohol and had previously been sentenced to two community corrections orders which were issued to address his anger management issues.

“Mr Freeman’s whole life has been dictated by a drinking problem,” she said.

Mr Mellas convicted and sentenced Freeman to three months in jail.

Originally published as Harley Freeman jailed for spitting at hospital worker in Geelong