A FATHER-of-two who punched a police officer will be given the opportunity of a non- conviction if he does community work and apologises.
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Tyson Russell Addicoat, 26, was due to contest four charges in the Launceston Magistrates Court yesterday.
However, two charges were withdrawn, and he pleaded guilty to having assaulted police and having resisted police.
Police prosecutor Trudie Lusted told the court that police arrested Addicoat after an altercation in Charles Street, near the Brisbane Street Mall, before 11pm on September 7 last year.
She said that Addicoat became aggressive towards police and punched one constable several times to the side of the head, as well as wrestling with him.
Addicoat also knocked the glasses off a second policeman, who was hit to the face during the arrest, Ms Lusted said.
Police used capsicum spray to subdue Addicoat.
He later told police he had no recollection of the incident.
Defence solicitor Evan Hughes said his client had been drinking since 3pm that day and his trio of friends had been outnumbered by a group of 10 outside a hotel in Charles Street.
He said Addicoat was a fitter and turner, had a clean record, and a conviction would jeopardise his career.
Magistrate Reg Marron referred to the state government's proposal to introduce mandatory sentencing for assaults against police, and said he wished there were more sentencing options available.
He told Addicoat that he would give him the opportunity of a non- conviction, if he completed 50 hours of community work and wrote a letter of apology to police.
Mr Marron adjourned Addicoat's matter to September 9 at 2.15pm.