Broome’s Colin Andrew Copperwaite fined after series of one-punch attacks on Roebuck Bay Hotel staff

A Broome man with a 12-page criminal record who punched a bottle shop attendant and security guards after leaving jail has been fined more than $1800 and sentenced to 60 hours of community work. Colin Andrew Copperwaite, 37, appeared in Broome Magistrates Court on Monday charged with common assault and re-entering a licensed premises after being kicked out. The court was told on April 27 about 2.15pm, Copperwaite walked up to the Roebuck Bay Hotel drive-through bottle shop in an attempt to buy alcohol but was refused service by a staff member because he was not in a vehicle. The court was told Copperwaite became agitated and punched the staff member with his left fist, then held his fists up in a “fighting stance” and threatened to continue the assault. The court was told Copperwaite decided to flee the scene but dropped his bank card as he left, which led to his identification and arrest. Later, while out on bail on July 28 about 5.30pm, Copperwaite was at the Roebuck Bay Hotel where he was kicked out for being visually intoxicated. The court was told Copperwaite ran around to the Pearlers Restaurant side and re-entered the premises, where he was spotted by several security guards. The court was told Copperwaite punched one of the security guards once to the jaw and was then tackled to the ground by the other guards. The court was told Copperwaite had been “sleeping rough” on the streets for more than three years and battling with an injury to his arm and the recent passing of two close relatives. His defence counsel told the court Copperwaite had a “tragic” background and his childhood had been plagued with alcoholism and domestic violence. Magistrate Stephen Sharratt told the court Copperwaite had a 12-page criminal record, having committed 14 acts of violence since 2007 and averaging one assault a year with his behaviour. “He’s only three days out of jail when he hits a bar staff member,” he said. Mr Sharratt told the court Copperwaite was impulsive, had no conflict resolution skills and struggled to regulate his anger. “He has cognitive impairments and is not suitable for general deterrents,” he said. Copperwaite was fined $1800 plus $269 in costs and was sentenced to a six-month community-based order with 60 hours of community work. Mr Sharratt said officials would help Copperwaite access rehabilitation programs at Milliya Rumurra. “I’ve heard he is a good artist, there is something in him, it needs a chance to come out,” he said. “You don’t want to die having just got drunk and gone to jail.”