Albany football star fined for disorderly behaviour and obstructing police

Albany football star Jayson Ford has been fined for a rowdy night out on the town after swearing at police and getting in the way of an arrest. Fresh off a best-on-ground performance in last month’s Great Southern Football League grand final, the 26-year-old appeared last Thursday in Albany Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour and obstructing police. Police prosecutor Sergeant Dave Loverock told the court that on Sunday, June 28, Ford started abusing police officers after he and some friends were issued move-on notices outside Studio 146. “The accused was on Stirling Terrace, near Studio 146 nightclub, in company with a number of other persons. The accused’s associates were involved in an altercation on the footpath near the nightclub,” Sgt Loverock said. “They were separated by police, who were nearby, and then ordered to move away from area.” Ford began swearing at officers, who threatened to use pepper spray if he did not back away and calm down. Some time later, his friends started fighting again near the carpark next to the indoor markets on Stirling Terrace. “While fighting, the accused’s friend has yelled at police. A constable went to arrest her by grasping her arm, she broke free by slipping out of her jumper,” Sgt Loverock told the court. “The accused ran up and placed himself between the officer and friend, backing into the officer and obstructing. The accused was taken to ground, arrested and placed in handcuffs.” Defence counsel Raymond Muir said Ford admitted he was intoxicated. “Mr Ford said he was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Mr Muir said. “Raised in Albany, he has no criminal record ... he is unlikely to commit again, he has expressed remorse and is embarrassed.” Magistrate Raelene Johnston said the charges were serious. “The police are entitled to go about their duties ... with other people around, there was potential for things to go wrong,” she said. The magistrate told Ford he had a lot of potential between his football and employment prospects. “Don’t throw away this by doing stupid things,” Ms Johnston said. Ford was fined $900 and granted a spent conviction.