Geelong court chaos as magistrate objects to police wearing spray

Police Association Secretary Ron Iddles has labelled a judge ‘out of touch’ after he refused to hear matters on Thursday because police were armed with capsicum spray.

Court proceedings came to a halt when Magistrate Phillip Goldberg objected to officers bringing weapons into the court, despite a recent arrangement.

Police Prosecutors were given permission to wear OC Spray in September following more than 40 courtroom incidents in Geelong where officers were assaulted and weapons found.

Mr Iddles told Ross and John police wouldn’t be backing down

‘It’s about providing a safe environment,’ Mr Iddles told Ross and John.

‘There was a bit of a standoff.

‘I think he’s out of touch with the current environment.’

Click PLAY below to hear Ron Iddles speak with Ross and John.