TULLAMARINE, VIC. — A United Kingdom national appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last night, December 19, 2025, over allegedly aggressive behaviour towards AFP officers at Melbourne Airport.
The man has been remanded and will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 16, 2026.
The man, 35, was arrested about 5pm on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, after the AFP responded to a report of a man attempting to board an international flight without a ticket and acting erratically.
When AFP officers arrived and started speaking to the man, it was alleged that he reached for one of the officers’ holstered firearms.
AFP officers then attempted to restrain the man, and it is alleged he resisted arrest. A Taser and capsicum (oc) spray were subsequently deployed before additional AFP officers were requested to assist in restraining the man.
Following the man’s arrest, he underwent an assessment at hospital before being released into police custody yesterday and was charged with:
- One count of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, contrary to section 147.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth); and
- Three counts of obstruction of a Commonwealth public official, contrary to section 149.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
These offences carry maximum penalties of 13 years’ imprisonment and two years’ imprisonment, respectively.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Emily Nicholson, Melbourne Airport Police Commander, said the community had the right to expect to feel safe at Australian airports.
“The AFP works closely with the airline industry and will intervene if anyone’s behaviour becomes aggressive or violent,” Det a/Supt Nicholson said.
“The AFP has zero tolerance for antisocial, violent or disruptive behaviour at our airport precincts, and we will take action against those who offend.”
The AFP provides aviation security at nine major airports in Australia.
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That’s why the AFP is asking you to adopt the; “See it. Hear it. Report it.” approach.
Behaviours to report include:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing;
- Avoiding screening;
- Leaving bags unattended;
- Loitering;
- Concealing identity;
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour.
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
You can make a difference!
