Broome man facing meth, weapons, doctor and cop assault charges granted bail to work at tourist site

A Broome man charged with assaulting a police officer and doctor after $4000 worth of methamphetamine, an axe and a meat cleaver were allegedly found in his car has been released on bail to work at a popular remote tourism spot. Police allege at around 9.55pm on December 18 last year, when called to a dispute at a house on Pembroke Road in Broome, Dane Pigram-Matsumoto, 26, was seated in the driver’s seat of a black Ford sedan on the premises. After being asked to exit the vehicle, Mr Pigram-Matsumoto stood next to the officer and allegedly proceeded to punch him in the face. Mr Pigram-Matsumoto then allegedly tried to walk away, and was taken into custody. A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly found 4.62 grams of methamphetamine, as well as an axe and a meat cleaver in the passenger foot well. Due to his erratic behaviour, officers then took Mr Pigram-Matsumoto to hospital for assessment, where it was deemed necessary to administer two doses of sedative. Mr Pigram-Matsumoto then asked the doctor for a glass of water. As he was given the water, Mr Pigram-Matsumoto allegedly swung at the doctor, hitting him on the side of his face and causing him to fall and hit his head on the wall. A further search of the vehicle allegedly found $940 in cash, believed to have been illegally obtained. Appearing in Broome Magistrates Court on January 9, Mr Pigram-Matsumoto — who has no criminal record — was granted bail to work at Mimbi Caves near Fitzroy Crossing. Prosecuting officer sergeant Phil Milne said he “hesitantly” supported bail. “I appreciate that while he’s locked up he’s been behaving, but he’s a drug user with (allegedly) $4000 of gear in his car,” he said. “I would see him not allowed to enter Broome, Derby or Fitzroy Crossing.” As a condition of bail, Mr Pigram-Matsumoto will not be allowed to venture further than 50km from the Mimbi Caves site except for medical or court needs. His next appearance will be a committal mention on April 12 in Fitzroy Crossing.