STAR Wodonga full-forward Darren Bradshaw has escaped a conviction after a drunken struggle with police outside his ex-girlfriend’s home in January.
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The Bulldogs player pleaded guilty at Wodonga Magistrates Court yesterday to one count of resisting police after six other charges, including aggravated burglary, were withdrawn in April.
Magistrate Reg Marron heard Bradshaw had been drinking alcohol all day on January 2 before going to his ex-girlfriend’s Wodonga home that night in the hopes of reconciling.
Bradshaw was rebuffed and police responded just after 10.30pm after receiving reports of noise coming from the home.
The footballer taunted officers from inside the house.
He eventually came out peacefully but police chose to handcuff him because of his size.
Bradshaw reacted violently, swinging his arms around, and it took about three police officers and a dose of capsicum spray to subdue him.
He declined to comment on the incident during an interview at the Wodonga police station.
Defence solicitor David Avery said his client, who didn’t often consume large amounts of alcohol, had mixed liquor with anti-depressant medication on the day of his arrest.
Mr Marron heard Bradshaw, 28, had been left embarrassed by his actions and had apologised to police.
Mr Avery said Bradshaw earned a total of about $500 a week from his football commitments and labouring work combined.
Mr Marron told Bradshaw he was a role model in the community and as such, his behaviour would be held under a microscope.
But the magistrate accepted Bradshaw’s actions had been specific to the situation.
The Warsaw Crescent, Wodonga, resident was fined $750 and put on a 12-month good-behaviour bond without conviction.
His other charges of aggravated burglary when a person was present, unlawful assault and four counts of criminal damage had been dropped after his ex-girlfriend made a statement requesting no further police action.
