Man fined for assault on transit guard

Andrew Robert Knott pleaded guilty to assaulting a public officer, at Rockingham Magistrates Court on March 4.

The prosecutor said it happened on August 2, 2013, at Rockingham train station.

At 10.50pm Knott was at the station with two others when he was caught smoking and was deemed too drunk to travel on the train by transit guards.

Knott abused the guards with profanities and walked away to the carpark, but did not leave.

Guards asked him to leave and he became abusive and aggressive, threatening to “put the guards on the tracks and kill them”.

He then picked up a big rock and went to throw it, dropped it, and then picked it up again and threw it at the victim, hitting him in the stomach.

The rock tore a hole through his clothing and he was bruised and grazed.

Transit guards holding batons then formed a line around Knott.

Knott handed himself in on the night. His two friends were also arrested for urinating in the carpark.

The prosecutor said there had been a problem with serving the summons, but it was not Knott’s fault.

Knott said he had been out with two former work colleagues before they decided to take a train to Mandurah and all had drunk quite a lot of alcohol.

He said his life had changed since then and he was in a more stable situation.

The prosecutor said the nature of the offence was serious, as it was like assaulting a police officer.

“Transit officers have similar powers to the police to ensure the safety of the public,” he said.

“If it had happened today it would have been a severe punishment due to the mandatory sentencing laws.”

Magistrate Susan Richardson said it was a serious offence and it was good the matter was coming to a close.

“The maximum penalty is $36,000. I will impose a fine of $2500,” she said.

“It is good to hear that you are stable now.”