Man fined for harassment and police abuse after consuming ‘too much punch’

A 34-year-old man got drunk from “too much punch” then harassed people outside Studio 146 and obstructed police officers. Brendon Nicholas Stamatovic appeared in Albany Magistrate’s Court last Thursday and pleaded guilty to failing to obey police orders and obstructing officers. Police prosecutor Sergeant Alan Dean told the court Stamatovic was refused entry at Studio 146 about 12.45am on June 12. He was outside the nightclub “harassing” patrons and was asked to leave the area by police officers, Sgt Dean said. Stamatovic walked away along York Street only to return 15 minutes later. Police arrested him and drove him to Albany Police Station. The man abused police officers as they left the vehicle. In the lock-up cell, Stamatovic “kicked out at police, throwing his body around”. The incident was captured on police body camera and security camera footage. Defence lawyer Graeme Payne said his client had spent the night at a party. “He had way too much punch,” defence counsel Graeme Payne said. Mr Payne said Stamatovic had “no recollection” of his actions. “He woke up the next morning and found a copy of the statement of facts in his pocket...he was disgusted by his behaviour,” he said. Magistrate Robert Young described it as a serious example of obstructing police. Stamatovic was fined a total of $1700.