Jeffrey Walter Dowden: Man who allegedly assaulted Geraldton police refuses to appear in court

A man who allegedly assaulted police on Marine Terrace only a short time after being granted bail has refused to appear in court.

Jeffrey Walter Dowden was set to appear in court from custody on Friday, charged with assaulting a public officer and obstructing officers, a day after the alleged incident.

Geraldton police said Mr Dowden had been released on strict bail conditions earlier on Thursday before he tried to attack police as they were arresting another man near Cotton On in the mall.

Magistrate Angus Hockton said he was told Mr Dowden was in a “heightened state of emotion” and was refusing to make an appearance.

Mr Hockton said it would be inappropriate to grant bail as Mr Dowden could be a threat to the public and himself in his state at the time.

Lawyer Kate Summers told the magistrate Mr Dowden had also refused assistance from the Aboriginal Legal Service.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Dean Solman said police had CCTV and body cam footage of the incident.

Mr Dowden is also facing charges including criminal damage of property and disorderly behaviour.

He is set to appear in court next on March 23.