Five Alice Springs police officers allegedly assaulted in ‘vile’ attack by teenager

A teenager’s ‘vile’ attack on five Alice Springs police officers during an arrest over the weekend has again prompted calls for tougher penalties for assaults on frontline workers.

A TEENAGER’S “vile” attack on five Alice Springs police officers during an arrest over the weekend has again prompted calls for tougher penalties for assaults on frontline workers.

Police say an officer attempted to arrest an 18-year-old man on Saturday at a CBD liquor store when they became aware he was the subject of an outstanding warrant.

It is alleged the teenager became violent and a second officer came to assist, and later three additional off-duty officers intervened.

According to police, the man spat in the officers’ faces, concussed one officer with repeated punches, and attempted to bite and kick two of the attending officers.

The NT News understands the 18-year-old was on a suspended sentence for two separate incidents in which he assaulted police officers.

Five police officers were allegedly assaulted after an 18-year-old became violent inside a liquor store in Alice Springs. Picture: Supplied.

It comes as the Country Liberal Party last week introduced a Bill into parliament in a push for automatic prison terms for offenders that assault police officers and other frontline workers. The Gunner government has also flagged a review is currently under way to identify where laws protecting frontline workers can be strengthened

NTPA President Paul McCue said the “vile, disgusting” incident was another example of why mandatory sentencing was required for those who assault police officers.

“What is it going to take for the government to listen to our concerns? How many times do our officers need to go home injured before reform actually occurs?” Mr McCue said.

“We have campaigned for many years for our elected members to take action and implement penalties that will act as a deterrent for offenders who continue to act in the abhorrent way towards our members.

Northern Territory Police Association President Paul McCue has called for tougher penalties on offenders who assault police.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner says his government is reviewing legislation that protects frontline workers.

“The NTPA has waited for months for an update from the Gunner government’s working group on assaults on workers. We are still waiting for that update.”

Speaking in Alice Springs on Monday, Chief Minister Michael Gunner said his government would assess the CLP’s Bill against what is already being worked on.

“We will come forward in parliament with a Bill that looks after our frontline workers,” he said.

“We’re doing that work now through what the Opposition Leader tabled and what we’re doing ourselves.”

Police say the 18-year-old was eventually controlled and conveyed to the Alice Springs watch house, where he remained uncooperative and again spat into the faces of attending officers.

The teen was charged with five counts of assaulting police, three counts of resisting police, and two countrs of breaching bail.