Adam Salopek: Loch man jailed after assaulting police

A Loch dad who refused to be tested for drugs has been thrown behind bars after he spat at a police officer despite being “petrified” of Covid.

Adam Salopek pleaded guilty after spitting at a police officer after refusing to undergo a drug test in Korumburra.

A Loch dad who refused to be tested for drugs has been jailed after he spat at police despite being “petrified” of Covid.

Adam Salopek, 34, was sentenced at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on October 28 after pleading guilty to 37 charges including assaulting an emergency worker, breaching an alcohol interlock condition, possessing methamphetamine and theft.

The court heard Salopek was pulled over by police for using a mobile phone while driving in Korumburra on March 29, 2020.

A preliminary oral fluid test was done and police formed the opinion that he was under the influence of meth.

Salopek was asked to undergo a second test but refused.

The man became aggressive, clenched his fist and said “come on” to the police.

Salopek then spat at one police officer but was subsequently capsicum sprayed.

In a police interview, Salopek said he felt “intimidated” and was “petrified” of Covid.

“To have other people this close to your face makes you put things in your mouth to lick just to satisfy their need,” he said.

“I’m breathing in all the bacteria around me.

“You can’t mess around with it.”

The court heard Salopek broke into Wonthaggi Motel and wrote rambled messages on the mirrors and TV of a room in September 2021.

He also crashed a stolen trailer into a gumtree in July 2019.

Salopek’s lawyer Lachlan Hocking said most of the man’s offending happened during the Covid pandemic which affected his ability to obtain work as a metal fabricator.

Mr Hocking said Salopek’s partner had a miscarriage and his dad died of a heart attack in 2020 which had a “profound impact on him”.

“This has led him to be really out of control,” Mr Hocking said.

Magistrate Andrew McKenna said there were “harsh consequences” for breaking the law.

Salopek was sentenced to 34 days in prison and given a community corrections order for a period of 12 months.

He must also complete 150 hours unpaid community work and was disqualified from driving for four years.

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