Yes it would be nice to know the circumstances around the assault. According to the News this was a case of an early morning mutual throat grabbing and kicking.
A court report published in the Whyalla News at the time, states the police officer who was assaulted had alleged that Mr Hughes had “got him by the throat” causing him breathing difficulties. The officer had alleged that when Mr Hughes let go, Mr Hughes then began kicking him.
The police officer did admit to grabbing the candidate on the shoulder in an attempt to lead him to the police car. He told the court he grabbed Mr Hughes around the throat because Mr Hughes had grabbed him around the throat. After a struggle, he then put Mr Hughes in a headlock before finally handcuffing him.
The courted handed down a seven-day prison sentence that was suspended and Mr Hughes entered into a nine-month, $100 good behaviour bond.
