Toowoomba man Nash Bryson Shephard pleads guilty to punching cop in face on drunk night out

A man who punched a police officer in the face at Subway during a night out in the Toowoomba CBD has fronted court for the violent crime.

The violent incident occurred at 3.30am on December 10, 2023, at Subway on Margaret St in Toowoomba City. Picture: Google Maps

When police were called to a domestic disturbance in the Toowoomba CBD at Subway at 3am, an officer ended up being assaulted after his partner was pushed to the ground.

The Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told Nash Bryson Shephard assaulted the officers, however he was not the cause of the initial disturbance on December 10.

Police prosecutor Tim Hutton said while the officers were arresting a man involved in a disturbance, Shephard pushed an officer, prompting his arrest.

However before Shephard was grappled to the ground and taken to the watch-house, Sergeant Hutton said during a struggle an officer was pushed to the ground.

“Whilst (the officer) was on the floor, the defendant has turned to (another officer) and continued struggling and whilst facing (each other) struck the victim officer in the face with a closed fist,” he said.

The violent incident occurred at 3.30am on December 10, 2023, at Subway on Margaret St in Toowoomba City. Picture: Google Maps

Defence lawyer Chelsea Saldumbide said before the incident, the young man had been out on the town drinking with his brother and a friend.

“It was actually the friend of his that drew police attention as he was having a dispute with his partner,” she said.

Ms Saldumbide said CCTV footage showed Shephard was waiting in line at Subway when police arrived, and that officers approached him from behind before grabbing his shoulder.

“As the police have come in, they’ve mistakenly grabbed Mr Shephard from behind, and that’s caused his response to turn around and throw a punch… fortunately not resulting in any ongoing injury,” she said.

Ms Saldumbide said it was on that basis her client pleaded guilty to assaulting and obstructing police before magistrate Mark Howden on Wednesday, August 14.

“He’s a person that does not have difficulty with authority,” she said

“He’s quite remorseful for his actions on this occasion. He even offered to sit down with the police and provide an apology to them but they weren’t prepared to engage in that process.”

She noted the working man was recently diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and a psychologist’s report deemed his moral culpability was significantly reduced at the time of the offending.

The court was told Shephard was seeking support around his mental and physical wellbeing and had no criminal history.

Mr Howard said given the violent nature of the crime a larger fine was in order, and fined Shephard $750.

The five hours Shephard spent in the watch-house were taken into consideration, and no conviction was recorded.