He wanted to fight cops

Man capsicum sprayed after trying to lure officer into fisticuffs

A WHITTINGTON man who tried to entice a police officer into a fight while drunk has been fined $1500.

The Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday construction apprentice Hayden Freyer was capsicum sprayed after he raised his fists in a fighting stance in Baanip Blvd, Mount Duneed on August 19.

The 21-year-old was standing in front of a car as it attempted to drive down the boulevard when police arrived at the scene about 11pm, the court heard.

Police Prosecutor Geoff Lamb told the court Freyer was intoxicated at the time and seen by witnesses knocking over letterboxes before police arrived.

Leading Senior Constable Lamb said Freyer became aggressive when a police sergeant arrived alone at the scene.

“He then yelled ‘let’s go’ with his fists in a fighting stance,” Sen-Constable said.

Freyer’s defence lawyer told the court his client used drugs heavily as a child and developed psychotic symptoms recently.

The court heard Freyer moved from Portland to Whittington recently to remove himself from a toxic social circle.

Freyer’s defence lawyer argued the incident was of a minor nature because his client did not assault the police officer and followed the officer’s directions after he was arrested.

“At the time of the offending Mr Freyer was intoxicated. (It was) a series of stupid acts in a drunken haze. The conduct did not include a physical assault.”

Mr Lamb said: “Being aggressive towards a police officer who has had to take protective action is hardly minor. It’s unprovoked and unwarranted aggression”.

Magistrate John Lesser fined Freyer without conviction. “I accept that there was no physical violence towards police but they are doing a job protecting the community and don’t deserve to have some like you in their face,” Mr Lesser said.