Andrew Todd Smith: Drunk Gold Coast tradie punched, swore at police

A young chippy who drunkenly attacked and swore at police says he regrets lashing out. See what happened in court.

Andrew Todd Smith, 21.

A YOUNG chippy who punched a police officer in a drunken tussle has managed to keep his clean criminal record.

Andrew Todd Smith pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Southport Magistrates Court to obstructing police after officers were called to an address in Biggera Waters last month.

Andrew Todd Smith, 21, leaving Southport Courthouse.

Police prosecutor Sergeant James Pedlow said officers stopped by the residence at around 8pm on December 16 “in relation to a disturbance” there.

The court was told cops had asked Smith to attend the Southport Police Station to assist with an investigation but the 21-year-old “wanted to call his father” first.

Sgt Pedlow said the officers asked Smith to stand up but the defendant said he was busy “doing f***ing s**t”.

Smith was asked again to stand, to which he told police “they need to shut up”.

The prosecution said “police applied open-hand tactics” but were met with a number of punches.

“(Smith) struck police multiple times with his fist,” Sgt Pedlow said.

While being handcuffed, the defendant “continued to yell verbal abuse towards police”.

The court was told Smith was moved outside and into a police vehicle where he continued being “combative and belligerent”, before spending time in the Southport Watchhouse.

Defence lawyer, Ashkan Tai of Ashkan Tai Lawyers, said the qualified carpenter regrets his actions.

“He wished he’d listened to police,” Mr Tai said.

“He’s understood that alcohol is a problem in the way he acts.”

The solicitor said Smith has since engaged in counselling to address the issue, and was being supported by his father in the gallery.

“He knows the police were just doing their job, a difficult job, and he made it extremely hard for them,” Mr Tai said.

The defence asked the magistrate take into consideration the time Smith spent at the Watchhouse in determining a verdict.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta agreed, saying the Southport Watchhouse is an especially “scary” place filled with unfavourable company including “big scary bikies” and other “vicious, horrible people”.

“It’s a pretty staggering place to be, so I’m sure that’s given you a bit of a fright and you’ve woken up to yourself,” she said.

“I’m glad you’re doing something about the alcohol because I’m sure it probably had something to do with (your behaviour).”

The magistrate reminded Smith that “police officers have an incredibly hard job to do”, saying “they don’t know” what could happen when they’re called out.

“They have to be on high alert at all times,” Magistrate Vasta said.

“They have to take control of those situations.”

Smith was fined $200 and no conviction was recorded.