Young couple Jack Houldcroft and Kayla Potts are among a group accused of attacking two police officers in Melbourne. Photo / Facebook
Young couple Jack Houldcroft and Kayla Potts are among a group accused of attacking two police officers in Melbourne. Photo / Facebook
An engaged couple who live with their parents and three-year-old son are today accused of assaulting two police officers during an "all-out affray" in Melbourne on Sunday.
Langwarrin locals Kayla Potts, 25, and Jack Houldcroft, 26, are among four people charged with two counts of assaulting police, affray, violent disorder and intentionally causing injury.
Kayla's brother, Trent Potts, 27, and another man Philip O'Donnell, 26, were also charged after police attended a 30th birthday party at a licensed venue in St Kilda in the early hours of Sunday when they were allegedly set upon.
Young couple Jack Houldcroft and Kayla Potts are among a group accused of attacking two police officers in Melbourne. Photo / Facebook
All four accused appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court this afternoon.
The court today heard two police officers acting in the course of their duties attended a St Kilda venue after reports of an assault against a transgender woman.
Police say that when the officers arrived, they approached Trent Potts, who was attempting to leave the venue in a taxi.
Trent Potts was asked to step out of the cab and answer questions when he allegedly fled, the court heard.
One of the officers gave chase before the accused allegedly "shaped up", the court heard.
A police informant told the court Trent Potts began punching the officer in the chest.
His sister, Kayla Potts, allegedly approached the officer from the side and punched him in the head. The officer responded by swinging his flashlight at her, splitting her head open below her hairline in the middle of her forehead.
Kayla Potts, 25, allegedly approached a police officer from the side and punched him in the head. Photo / Facebook
In court, the young mother wore her hair in a bun and had a bandage across her forehead. She smiled when she was granted bail with strict conditions.
Her partner, Houldcroft, is accused of kicking and punching an officer while he was lying on the ground. He suffered a suspected broken nose in the scuffle that will be treated by a doctor.
O'Donnell is accused of slamming one of the officer's heads into the ground "six times".
A group of people attacked two police officers in Melbourne. Photo / Supplied
The court heard both officers suffered significant injuries. One has a suspected cheekbone fracture and the other has a ruptured bicep which requires surgery.
The alleged assault was filmed by a bystander.
Wayne Gatt from the Victorian Police Association said the vision was "one of the most horrific (attacks) on a police officer I have ever seen".
"When you see people in the community commit such vicious acts, it is only sheer good fortune that people punched or assaulted in that manner are not killed," he told 3AW radio on Monday.
Both police officers suffered significant injuries in the attack. One has a suspected cheekbone fracture and the other has a ruptured bicep which requires surgery. Photo / Supplied
Victoria Police Superintendent Tony Silva described the attack as sickening.
"I would describe it as rag dolling him, smashing his head into the concrete roadway," Silva said.
Paramedics rushed the two officers to the Epworth Hospital but both have since been discharged.
The court this afternoon heard there were at least three outstanding individuals who are believed to have been involved.
Silva urged them to come forward.
"Give yourself up," he told reporters. "We're after you, we have a pretty good idea who you are already. Show a bit of remorse. This is not good enough.
"If it means they are going to behave like animals, then it means being locked up like an animal, that's a matter for the justice system.
"His associates or other persons of interest who were behaving like animals with that pack mentality set upon police who were vulnerable on the ground with the suspect.
"I've been in the police force for over 30 years and the beauty of my job is I get to see some really great people out there, but I also see the worst of society and what I've seen on this video and what I've seen through this event is the worst of society," he said.
Anyone with information or who was in the area at the time of the assault and brawl is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit Crime Stoppers.
