Serious assault case
Charges over alleged attack in courtroom
A BUNGALOW man who allegedly gouged at a police officer’s face and eyes after being hit with capsicum spray while inside a Cairns courtroom dock has been charged with serious assault.
Ziggi Michael Ciora, 32, had been in custody, appearing on trespass and police obstruction charges in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Thursday morning when he became agitated.
Police allege that during Ciora’s court hearing he yelled abuse at members of the court before he began kicking the glass wall and door of the dock.
Ciora, who was already on a suspended sentence for assaulting prison guards with urine, was warned multiple times to calm down or he would be sprayed.
He allegedly failed to comply with requests to stop. Officers entered the dock to subdue Ciora but he allegedly became more agitated and shaped up to police.
An officer was forced to use capsicum spray on Ciora, who then allegedly lunged at the watch-house officer, striking him in the face many times. He was wounded around the eyes.
Ciora also allegedly wiped capsicum spray onto the officer’s face and injuries.
Duress alarms were activated and Ciora had to be restrained and handcuffed by three police officers, who carried him from the room.
A cleaner was called to re- move blood and spray from the dock.
The 41-year-old watchhouse officer was taken to hospital for treatment of scratches to his nose, eyes and left side of his face.
The court was told that there seemed to be “mental health issues”.
Ciora was charged with seriously assaulting a police officer, seriously assaulting a police officer causing bodily harm and obstructing a police officer.
The matter will be mentioned on January 7.
Less than a month ago, Ciora was sentenced for assaulting prison guards and stealing almost $3000 from a restaurant.
He was jailed for 15 months, which was suspended for six months after time already served. editorial@cairnspost.com.au facebook.com/TheCairnsPost www.cairnspost.com.au twitter.com/TheCairnsPost