TWO police officers were left with temporary hearing loss after they were assaulted in the Bendigo CBD earlier this year, a court has been told.
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Three men who were charged in relation to the incident faced the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
One of the men, 28, admitted to charges including assaulting police, obstructing police, and being drunk in a public place.
The court heard on the evening of March 7 this year, he was out drinking in the Bendigo CBD with the two co-accused.
About 10.08pm, the group was captured on CCTV outside the Basement Bar on View Street. The two other men were wrestling while the 28-year-old watched on.
Two police officers who were patrolling View Street saw the men wrestling, activated their sirens, and pulled over. The officers were wearing body cameras.
Police alleged that as the officers approached, the 28-year-old described the police as "po-po dogs" who should "f*** off".
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The court heard the men were smelling heavily of alcohol, were clearly intoxicated, and acting in a "heightened state".
After the second co-accused allegedly failed to present any identification to police, he was subsequently sprayed with pepper spray while allegedly resisting arrest.
The 28-year-old and the third co-accused were standing by, allegedly arguing with the officers and being verbally abusive.
The court heard the police officers were fearful they would be assaulted.
The police officers again attempted to handcuff the second co-accused. It is alleged he attacked two officers, using punches and a chokehold.
The court heard during the alleged assault, the 28-year-old and the third member of the group were angry and swearing.
All three men were eventually sprayed with pepper spray, arrested, and brought to the Bendigo police station.
The court heard one of the police officers experienced temporary hearing loss as a result of the alleged assault.
The other officer received bruising to their head and body, scratches, temporary ringing in their ears, and chunks of their hair were missing.
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The court heard when questioned, the 28-year-old admitted to drinking alcohol but told police he couldn't remember the incident.
The 28-year-old said he told the man who allegedly assaulted the officers to "chill out", but admitted to giving a "little bit of attitude" to the police.
Defence lawyer Luke Docherty told the court the 28-year-old, who had no prior criminal history, was embarrassed and remorseful about the incident.
Mr Docherty said the man did not endorse that sort of behaviour and that the incident had troubled him significantly in the past five months.
The defence lawyer said it was clear the 28-year-old was drunk at the time of the offending, but that he was not charged with causing any injuries.
Magistrate Julie Grainger said the incident was "appalling" but that she needed to be fair to the 28-year-old and his role in the incident.
Ms Grainger indicated he would be sentenced to a large fine without conviction if he pleaded guilty to the charges.
Mr Docherty said the 28-year-old would consent to the sentence indication and submit a guilty plea.
He is due to return to court for sentencing later this week.
The two co-accused will return to court at a later date.
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