Denmark man fined $2000 for assaulting a Shire of Denmark ranger investigating report of illegal fire

A Denmark man has been fined for assaulting a Shire of Denmark ranger investigating reports of an illegal fire last December. Michael Hempelis, 41, appeared in Albany Magistrates Court on June 27 and pleaded guilty to one charge of assaulting a public officer. Police prosecutor Sgt Peter Yuswak told the court the ranger arrived at a property in Hay, where Hempelis was present, following reports of an illegal fire. As he got out of his Shire-marked vehicle but before he was able to introduce himself, Hempelis forcefully shoved him in the chest. The ranger retreated into the ute and was attempting to leave the property when Hempelis stuck his arm through the window and tried to take the key out of the ignition to stop the ranger leaving the property. Hemplis said he only did this to keep the victim on the property for the police to deal with. Hempelis was then pulled away by two men, giving the ranger an opportunity to leave the property. His defence lawyer said Hempelis’ reactive actions were caused by emotional and physical abuse he suffered in his childhood. Magistrate Scaddan was critical of Hempelis’ reaction to the ranger, but said the ranger could have introduced himself when he first arrived. “Unless you were living under a rock you would know there were significant fires in the Denmark and Shadforth area, an event that had the community on edge,” she said. “You acted first and enquired later, if you had asked questions first this could have all been avoided. “People who have a public function deserve the protection of the court. “They do not deserve to be assaulted in their line of work, that is not what they signed up for.” Hempelis was fined $2000.