JAIL FOR BASHING WOMAN OFFICER
Policewoman was trying to help
A HEAVILY intoxicated man who bashed a female police officer who was simply trying to get him home safely has been jailed.
Casper Zion Tome, 37, pleaded guilty yesterday in Ipswich District Court to serious assault of a police officer while adversely affected with circumstances of aggravation.
He also pleaded guilty to three counts of assault and resist police.
Crown prosecutor Clare Kelly said the assault took place on June 27, 2015 outside the Royal Hotel at Gatton.
She said the police were at the hotel for a totally unrelated matter and noticed a heavily intoxicated Tome stumbling in the street.
“The officers approached Tome in an effort to help him get home safely due to his level of intoxication,” she said.
“Tome then grabbed Constable Amber Belford’s vest and then pushed her in the chest.
“He then, out of the blue, punched her in the face.”
Ms Kelly said the punch broke Constable Belford’s nose and she required surgery over the following days.
The court was read Constable Belford’s victim impact statement where she said she could still recall the exact moment Tome punched her, the immense pain and the taste of blood in her mouth.
She said she still suffered flashbacks, sleepless nights and had forgiven Tome but would never excuse his actions.
Defence barrister Stephen Kissick said Tome fled his native homeland to avoid an arranged marriage.
He said he Tome was a non-drinker and was heavily involved within his church and the community.
“It would be hard to entertain, given the level of his intoxication, he would have even known he had assaulted a police officer,” he said.
“He has no history of violence and generally lives an unassuming and normal life.
“Sometimes decent people do a bad thing and this certainly falls within that category.”
Judge Greg Koppenol sentenced Tome to two years and three months behind bars.
He set a parole release date of August 31, 2016 after taking into account the 175 days he had served in pre-sentence custody.
Judge Koppenol also ordered Tome to complete 120 hours of community service within six months of his release.