WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch has denied an officer filmed punching a man outside a pub during New Year’s Eve celebrations was heavy-handed.

January 2, 2024

Western Australia’s top cop has backed a police officer filmed punching a man who was pinned to the ground outside a Perth pub during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Video of the incident shows the officer repeatedly punching the small-framed 25 year old man in the body as two other officers held him down during an arrest just after midnight on Sunday.

Outraged onlookers shouted at the police in anger over the violence outside the Brass Monkey Hotel in Northbridge as the man was handcuffed and dragged away.

But Commissioner Col Blanch has denied the officer was heavy-handed, saying the law allowed police to use reasonable force when a person was not complying.

“In this instance, the alleged offender appeared to be resisting and the officer was unable to get the handcuffs on,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Blanch said officers are trained to use distraction techniques to enable arrests to be completed and that force could sometimes look  “confronting” on video.

“It is worth noting that at the time of the arrest, the crowd was becoming increasingly agitated,” he said.

“At one stage, a glass was thrown by a patron from the balcony above.”

Mr Blanch said the officer had acted appropriately given the situation and had his support.

Police on Monday said the hotel’s security staff alerted police over the man’s alleged disorderly behaviour about 12.05am.

Officers approached the man and asked him to move on but he ignored them and continued to yell and swear.

“Due to his ongoing behaviour, officers attempted to arrest the man, however, it will be alleged he positioned his arms to prevent being handcuffed and resisted being arrested,” a spokeswoman said.

“It took several officers to gain control of the man and secure him into police custody.”

The man was charged with disorderly behaviour in a public place and obstructing public officers.

He is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on January 31.