In a surprising twist at a Sydney court, Sean Matthews, a 33-year-old learner driver, has claimed that the police fabricated charges against him. Matthews faced accusations of reversing his Audi into two officers in Gladesville at around 8:30 pm the previous night, allegedly dragging one officer before crashing into another vehicle with a mother and child inside.
The incident escalated when Matthews reportedly struggled during his arrest, leading to him choking one of the officers. He faces multiple charges, including intentionally choking a person recklessly, assaulting a police officer causing bodily harm, resisting arrest, engaging in a police pursuit, and several traffic violations.
In his self-representation at Parramatta Court, Matthews asserted that the entire incident was a concoction by the police, motivated by their desire to see him imprisoned. He explained that his presence on the wrong side of the road was merely accidental.
Acting Superintendent Traci Watt, in a press briefing, detailed the events leading to Matthews' arrest. She described how police initially tried to stop the Audi in Gladesville and later in Hunters Hill, where Matthews allegedly backed into the officers. The arrest involved a brief struggle, during which an officer was choked. Watt highlighted the contribution of an off-duty officer and a civilian in apprehending Matthews.
The aftermath of the incident saw a 20-year-old junior probationary officer hospitalized for leg injuries but later released. A 33-year-old male constable remains in hospital for treatment of abrasions and neck injuries. Watt expressed concern over the risks faced by police officers, also acknowledging the public's assistance in such situations.
