Ex-police officer avoids conviction over 'knock and run' assault
A court has heard a former senior Sydney police officer's "absolutely impaired" judgement was behind his assault of two men who had played a game of "knock and run" at his home.
Former police officer Jonathan Beard has been spared a conviction for assaulting two men in 2024. The violent incident occurred after the two men played a game of "knock and run" at Beard's Sydney residence. Beard, who was recently medically retired from the NSW Police force, was accused of pursuing the men, who had fled the scene, and assaulting them on a concrete pathway.
The assault left one of the men with a dislocated shoulder, and the event was captured on CCTV footage. Judge Jacqueline Milledge acknowledged Beard's medical history, including a reported post-traumatic stress disorder, which contributed to his impaired judgement during the assault. Despite the judge's criticism of Beard's actions, she handed him a two-year good behaviour bond.
Beard's defence lawyer argued for leniency, citing Beard's distinguished police career and his recent medical retirement. The former police superintendent, who was awarded an Australian Honours Police Medal for distinguished service in 2021, was suspended with pay following the incident before his retirement. The judge acknowledged the impact of the assault on the young men, but noted that Beard had been denounced by his own organization following the assault. The families of the victims and Beard were present in court for the sentencing.
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