A NORTH East Victorian man has been remanded in custody until next month for allegedly assaulting three police officers at the weekend, leaving one with a suspected fractured cheekbone.
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Shane Slater, 39, of Moyhu, made a brief appearance at Wangaratta Magistrates Court yesterday after being arrested early on Sunday.
He made no application for bail before magistrate John Murphy on a series of charges, including reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, assaulting police, and recklessly causing serious injury.
Duty solicitor Ian Watkins told Mr Murphy his client had a history of depression and would require prescription medication while in custody.
Mr Watkins said attempts would also be made to have a psychiatric assessment before Slater’s next court appearance on September 20.
Outside court, Sgt Paul Pursell, of Wangaratta police, said a Moyhu policeman had visited Slater’s home with two Wangaratta officers, including a sergeant, about 2.50am on Sunday in response to a report of a domestic incident.
Slater met the three officers on the patio.
Sgt Pursell alleged Slater was aggressive and approached one of the policemen with a raised fist before they sprayed him with capsicum foam.
As the officers moved to restrain Slater, he allegedly jumped from the ground and began punching them several times before making a grab for a policeman’s gun.
The officers used a baton to subdue Slater and arrested him.
Sgt Pursell said the policemen’s reported injuries ranged from soreness and scratches on the face and knees, to one of the officers having a suspected fractured cheekbone.
Sgt Pursell said it went “without saying” that officers deserved respect on the job.
“Police members are only out there doing their job and it’s unfortunate we’ve got some members of the community who see them as punching bags,” he said.
