Callum Hugh Lawson: Arundel man charged after allegedly attacking ambos and police

New details about what may have led to a Gold Coast man’s alleged attack on first responders - including grabbing a female ambo inappropriately and exposing himself - have been aired in court.

A Gold Coast man charged with a disturbing assault on first responders – allegedly exposing himself and grabbing a female paramedic inappropriately – was “distraught” when told of his alleged conduct, a court has heard.

Callum Hugh Lawson faced Southport Magistrates Court on Monday, charged with three counts of serious assault of a public officer performing a function and one each of sexual assault, indecent act in a public place, and serious assault of a police officer by spitting.

Police allege an erratic and aggressive Mr Lawson first targeted Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics, called to a Molendinar address at 3pm Sunday.

The 38-year-old allegedly pushed the male paramedic and grabbed the female paramedic inappropriately before exposing himself. It is further alleged he was verbally abusive during the altercation.

QAS paramedics. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Lawson allegedly turned on police when they arrived a short time later, kicking a male officer in the chest and spitting on him. The Arundel man was held in custody before appearing in court on Monday afternoon, waving to supporters including his mother and his partner as he entered the dock.

Defence lawyer Allanah Albert, of Brooke Winter Solicitors, said her client had little criminal history and was “very confronted” when told the details of his alleged offending.

Ms Albert said the business owner was believed to have suffered a breakdown – tied to suspected drug use – after weeks of emotional stress while discussing an amicable separation from his partner of 22 years.

“He is someone who prior to yesterday’s events had not sought assistance in relation to mental health,” she said.

“He’s also someone who declared quite strongly today that yesterday was a line in the sand, so to speak, (and) that he needs to seek some assistance in relation to his mental health.”

An emotional Mr Lawson was granted bail on several conditions, including he surrender his passport and be assessed to determine the need for a mental health plan.

The Arundel man’s case was adjourned to May 30.

Gold Coast Superintendent Peter Miles.

Superintendent Peter Miles said after the charges were laid that behaviour towards emergency services personnel of the kind alleged would not be tolerated.

“Our emergency crews deserve to go to work every day and not be fearful that they could be attacked or mistreated,” Supt Miles said. “That kind of behaviour is not acceptable in front of anyone, let alone someone whose job it is to help.”

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Originally published as Callum Hugh Lawson: Arundel man charged after allegedly attacking ambos and police