A homeless couple discovered living in a tent in Wollongong’s MacCabe Park have been arrested and refused bail over allegations they attacked police who tried to help them find accommodation.
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David John Joyce is accused of launching a verbal tirade at the officers and physically assaulting them during the confrontation, while Joyce’s partner, Sharon Johnson, is alleged to have hindered police while they were attempting to restrain her boyfriend.
Court documents reveal Johnson and Joyce had been living in the tent for three weeks and were using a nearby garden as a toilet.
After an initial conversation with Johnson one morning last week, officers organised for the pair to be seen by the Wollongong Homeless Hub later that day.
However, when police returned to the scene to advise the couple of the appointment, Joyce allegedly began swearing loudly, threatening the officers and refused to leave the park.
“You’re dead c—t. I’m bringing back some bikies and f—king sorting you out….I’ll f—king kill you,” he allegedly directed at one of the officers, who then informed him he was under arrest.
However, Joyce allegedly tried to run off, prompting the officer to tackle him to the ground.
It is alleged Joyce kicked the policeman in the knee and tried to grab his genitals while struggling against the officer’s efforts to handcuff him.
Johnson is accused of running at police in a bid to stop the arrest. Another officer restrained her on the ground and she too was eventually handcuffed.
The pair was charged with assault and resist police offences.
They were denied bail in Wollongong Local Court last week after being unable to put forward an appropriate address at which to live.
The court heard the Homeless Hub had no accommodation available for the pair at the time.
Both accused will reappear in court on Monday.