Accused: Mistaken identity in club spat

A MAN accused of spitting in a Gold Coast police officer’s face claims it was his mate who spat at the officer.

Joel Helmore, from Darwin, had his Gold Coast holiday turn sour when his friend was ejected from well-known Surfers Paradise nightspot Melbas on Thursday night.

Helmore, 23, looked tired when he appeared in Southport Magistrates Court dressed in a blue T-shirt and grey pants yesterday.

He has not entered a plea to one charge each of assaulting police and public nuisance.

The court heard Helmore was in Melbas with a friend when a security guard asked his friend to leave.

A scuffle broke out and police were called.

Duty lawyer Lisa Searing said Helmore went to help his friend when police arrived.

“He seems to think the police officers have gotten confused with his friend,” she said. “On my instructions he did not spit.”

Ms Searing said Helmore told her he thought spitting was “disgusting” and it was something he would never do.

She said CCTV footage of the incident would help identify who spat on the police officer.

Ms Searing gave assurances Helmore, an electrician, would return to the Gold Coast for the next court appearance.

Helmore’s friend was questioned by police and released.

Helmore did not object to undergoing disease testing.

Magistrate Gary Finger granted Helmore bail and ordered he return to court on January 11.