Travis James Hinitt sentenced following roadside assault on police officer trying to help him

A Toowoomba concreter with a ‘troubling’ history has ended up in court following a brutal, unprovoked assault on a police officer who was trying to help him.

A Downs concreter has ended up in court with the details of his roadside assault on a cop revealed.

Toowoomba man, Travis James Hinitt, who was originally from Stanthorpe, appeared in Warwick District Court in March after the disturbing details of his unprovoked assault on a police officer were made public.

The court was told that on the afternoon of January 11, 2023 the 32-year-old concreter’s “highly agitated and intoxicated state,” and driving conduct on a Stanthorpe road was what made police take note of him.

Police attended the scene to find a stumbling Hinitt, who was told by officers not to approach. However he disregarded their instructions, forcing police to detain Hinitt who was disorientated on the roadway.

The court was told Hinitt aggressively resisted the officers, and was restrained on the ground.

Travis James Hinitt was sentenced on Wednesday, 27 March 2024 following a brutal attack on a police officer trying to help him (Photo: Facebook)

Hinitt had a broken nose, and was bleeding down his face and when an officer noticed and began to offer first aid assistance, Hinitt struck.

The concreter spat blood at the officer’s face, before kicking the other officer in the testicles.

Defence Nathan Eldridge told the court Hinitt’s employer, a Toowoomba concreting firm, was “very supportive” of Hinitt, as well as his mother and partner.

Mr Eldridge said the man was now living full-time in Toowoomba, in a positive relationship and had employment, and that “things were looking up in terms of rehabilitation” for Hinitt.

The court also heard Hinitt began using drugs at 13, and methamphetamine at 15, but was now clean from drugs.

Hinitt pleaded guilty on Wednesday, March 27 in Warwick District Court to two charges of serious assault of a police officer, and one charge each of driving under the influence and driving licence while disqualified by a court order.

Judge Alexander Horneman-Wren SC told the court Hinitt provided a blood sample to police, which fortunately for the officer, tested negative for any transmissible diseases.

Travis James Hinitt was sentenced on Wednesday, 27 March 2024 following a brutal attack on a police officer trying to help him (Photo: Facebook)

“It is a particularly stressful and anxious time for anyone to be exposed to the bodily fluids to have to wait through the period of not knowing if they had been infected,” Mr Horneman-Wren said.

“The spitting on anyone is a particular vulgar and degrading act, but spitting on a police officer who was simply going about his sworn duty to protect you is utterly abhorrent to common decency.

“In the most reasonable and compassionate victim impact statement, (the officer) explains how he was simply trying to help you. Subsequently, he offered his support, the fact you approached him demonstrates you had insight you needed to get help yourself.”

The judge praised the officer’s actions as a testament to fine policing.

Judge Horneman-Wren noted the man’s criminal history, including previous obstruction and assault of police charges and multiple drug offences, as well as break and enter, stealing and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

“Troubling you have convictions for wilful damage, common assault and obstructing police, from earlier this year, when you would have been on bail,” he said.

“Every police officer in this state goes about his or her work for the benefit of us all, they have no choice as they swore an oath.”

Hinitt was sentenced to a 12 month imprisonment order, and was released on parole immediately.

He was suspended from driving for a total of three years and was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Travis James Hinitt sentenced following roadside assault on police officer trying to help him