A 52-year-old West Australian man has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment after spitting in the face of an officer from the Australian Federal Police outside Perth Airport.

The man was sentenced in the Perth Magistrates Court on 8 April 2026 after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.

The court heard the incident began on 9 March 2026 when AFP officers responded to reports of two men arguing outside the airport terminal. When approached, the man refused to provide his details and attempted to walk away.

Officers stopped and restrained him after he became obstructive. While in custody at the airport, he spat directly into the face and mouth of an AFP officer.

He was subsequently charged under Commonwealth law for causing harm to a public official.

In a separate incident while being held in custody, the man threw urine-soaked clothing at a custody officer from the Western Australia Police Force. He was charged with assaulting a public officer under Western Australian law.

The court imposed an additional four-month sentence for this offence, to be served concurrently with the 12-month term.

AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said such behaviour towards officers would not be tolerated.

“Police work every day to protect the community and do not deserve to have their health put at risk,” he said.

Authorities reiterated that assaults on frontline officers are taken seriously, particularly where there is a risk to their health and safety.

Support our Journalism

No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.