A Tasmanian man is expected to appear in Coolangatta Magistrates Court today (14 October, 2024) charged with allegedly obstructing police and behaving in a disorderly manner at Gold Coast Airport in June, 2024.
The AFP responded to a request for assistance on 26 June, 2024, after the Claremont man, 61, allegedly verbally abused an airport staff member in the Gold Coast Airport terminal.
When approached by AFP officers the man allegedly refused to cooperate and was arrested.
The AFP has charged the man with:
- One count of assault or obstruct police, contrary to section 790 of the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2002 (Qld); and
- One count of public nuisance, contrary to section 6 of the Summary Offences Act 2005 (Qld).
The maximum penalty for each offence is six months' imprisonment or a $6452 fine.
The man first appeared in Coolangatta Magistrates Court on 19 August, 2024, where the matter was adjourned until today (14 October, 2024).
AFP Superintendent Mark Yarrow said there was zero tolerance for abusive behaviour in airports.
"Our airports are a shared space and airport staff should not be subjected to verbal abuse or any other bad behaviour," Superintendent Yarrow said.
"The AFP works closely with our partners in the airline industry to intervene if anyone's behaviour in or around an airport becomes aggressive."
If you require a police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP's Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
