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Shocking video shows horror attack on police
Warning: Graphic content
Graphic bodycam footage has been released showing a Warrnambool man's brutal attack on police officers with a baseball bat in October 2021.
This is what led to the violent confrontation.
The violence was sparked after Senior Constable Rowan Baldman and Constable William Ringin stopped a teen on McGennan St in Warrnambool and asked him why he was not wearing a face mask.
Cleary suddenly pulled up in a car, walked slowly to the officers and demanded they “get your hand off him” as he pulled a baseball bat from its sheath.
Cleary then proceeded to attack the officers, the minute-long ambush only ending when he was struck on the head with a police baton after he fired a dropped taser at Constable Ringin.
After Cleary was apprehended and held to the ground, he demanded the officers let him go and repeatedly stated: 
"Gentleman, I am the King, get your hands off me".
The County Court heard Cleary had been assessed as suffering a delusional disorder at the time of the offending but had refused any mental health treatment.
Sen Con Baldman required plastic surgery to fix a fracture to his left thumb and suffered a cut to his right temple and swelling.
The court heard Sen Con Baldman felt he was going to die if the attack continued. In a victim impact statement the officer also said he often cried uncontrollably at the thought of what happened.
Cleary pleaded guilty in the County Court to three charges including intentionally cause serious injury, assault emergency worker on duty and affray.
Judge Anne Hassan ordered him to spend at least one year and 10 months behind bars. She accepted his moral culpability was reduced given his impaired mental state, but noted he still remained a risk to the community.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said Victoria Police intended to appeal the sentence, describing it as “inadequate”.
Chief Commissioner Shane patton
I am disappointed with this outcome and have asked for a submission to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions requesting an appeal based on an inadequate sentence.
“
Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt has slammed the “disappointing” sentence, saying it sends a worrying message to the entire police force.
Mr Gatt said he made no direct criticism of Judge Hassan herself, saying she had a “very difficult decision” to make which was “hampered by the system”.
police association secretary Wayne gatt
We understand the considerations the courts must make, but we ask the courts (and) we ask those who are charged with making the systems better, what message does this send to serving police officers?
“
Words: Genevieve AlisonProducer: Andrew Piva																																								

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/web-stories/free/herald-sun/steven-cleary-warrnambool-man-jailed-for-attack-on-police