Media Release
Detainee charged with allegedly spitting in officer’s face at WA immigration detention centre
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A detainee at the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre in Western Australia appeared in Perth Magistrates Court yesterday (21 October, 2026), charged with allegedly spitting in the face of a security officer.
On 5 October, 2026, the AFP received a report alleging a man, 30, had assaulted a response team officer at the detention centre.
The officer was responding to an incident on 3 October, 2026, involving the man, who was allegedly intoxicated and acting aggressively.
The officer and his colleagues attempted to escort the man from the compound when it is alleged the man resisted and spat in the officer’s face.
The AFP charged the man yesterday with one count of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, contrary to section 147.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth).
The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years' imprisonment.
He was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court next Friday (30 October, 2026).
