Wodonga man who refused to go when ordered to by police gets 'huge wake-up call'

Both Nathan Paul Johnson and a mate of his - they steadfastly ignored police requests to move on - were highly intoxicated.

Albury Local Court magistrate Richard Funston referred to a conviction Johnson, a machine operator, received for violence four years ago.

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"So, clearly you learnt nothing from the 2017 incident," he told the 25-year-old over his actions outside Albury's Star Hotel on the night of September 25.

Johnson's lawyer, Dane Keenes, agreed, but insisted that the assault - Johnson pushed back on a police officer, during which his right hand "connected" with the victim's nose - "was not a deliberate act".

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It was put to Mr Funston that Johnson was remorseful and co-operative with police after his arrest and had since sought-out professional help for his issues with alcohol.

Johnson pleaded guilty to charges of assault police and resist police.

Police had been driving along Guinea Street about 9.15pm when they were waved down by security over a group of people outside the hotel on the corner of Olive and Guinea streets.

About five of the group, including a co-accused, were sitting on a nearby concrete driveway. Police approached that man and asked for identification, as a wallet could be seen in his back pocket.

As this happened, Johnson and several others began yelling abuse at police. Johnson walked towards the officers to "hinder the investigation".

He was directed several times to leave, but refused.

Mr Funston told Johnson his punishment - he was convicted and fined $3000 - needed to be taken as a "huge wake-up call".

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