Luke William Harken: Geraldton man given 11-month suspended jail term for assaulting partner, police officer

A Geraldton man has been handed an 11-month suspended jail term for assaulting his partner, kicking a police officer and damaging property. Luke William Harken appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday, having previously pleaded guilty to aggravated common assault, criminal damage of property, and assaulting a public officer. The court was told Harken assaulted his partner at their home on the evening of May 25, 2022 after having consumed several alcoholic drinks, kicking and punching her before police arrived at the property. Once there, Harken attempted to hide under a vehicle, and once found, was put in handcuffs. He then kicked a police officer and had to be physically restrained. Harken had also punched a wall during the incident, causing damage to the property. His lawyer, Melissa Wishart, said Harken deeply regretted his actions and had made an apology to the officer. She also said he was taking steps to address his alcoholism by seeking help from Communicare and Community Alcohol and Drug Service, and was seven months clean from alcohol. Ms Wishart said Harken and the victim, who appeared in court to support him, were still together after six years and were looking to buy a house. Magistrate Angus Hockton said Harken’s actions were too serious to be dealt with by a supervision order but acknowledged his progress. “I think you know where to go if you are having problems,” Mr Hockton said. Harken was given an 11-month suspended sentence — nine months for common assault, concurrent with a one-month sentence for property damage, and an additional two months for assaulting a police officer. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)