A fisherman who got into a drunken fight with another man then turned on police officers who were trying to defuse the situation.
Joshua Neil Theo Migala, 40, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on May 2 to obstructing police and a failing to appear charge.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Tanya Griffiths said about 10.20pm on February 11, police were called to a house at Pacific Avenue, Ilbilbie, where Migala and another man were reportedly fighting and “would not stop”.
Sgt Griffiths said when police arrived, they saw the two men arguing, yelling and swearing at each other.
“A short time later, the homeowner advised police (Migala) was welcome to stay if they could calm him down and get him to go to sleep,” Sgt Griffiths said.
The prosecutor said police then left the house but remained nearby to see if any further arguments happened.
Sgt Griffiths said about 15 minutes later, police heard Migala swear, yell and argue.
“Eventually the homeowner advised police that (Migala) was no longer welcome at the address and asked him to leave,” Sgt Griffiths said.
The prosecutor said police gave Migala “ample opportunity” to gather his belongings and leave the property.
“Police advised (Migala) that they would take him to a place of safety due to his level of intoxication,” Sgt Griffiths said.
“Throughout this (Migala) continued to argue and fight with the male occupant at the address.”
Sgt Griffiths said Migala also invaded the private space of police officers “on multiple occasions” by “walking up and waving his hands and fingers in their faces”.
Sgt Griffiths said Migala was told numerous times to stop and he continued arguing with the man and wanting to fight him.
The prosecutor said Migala then grabbed a torch from a vehicle and shined it in an officer’s face.
He was subsequently arrested but struggled with police and had to be taken to the ground and handcuffed, the court heard.
Migala was bailed but he did not appear in Sarina Magistrates Court on March 20 as required, and was charged with that offence.
The court heard that Migala, who had a four-page criminal history, was a fisherman of 20 years who’d been at sea and he’d attempted to contact the court.
In relation to the Ilbilbie incident, solicitor Rio Ramos said Migala was heavily intoxicated that night.
Acting Magistrate Mary Buchanan fined Migala $900 and convictions were recorded.