A man who shoved a police officer during a fracas over the Cup Match holiday has been given a chance to turn his life around.

Senior magistrate Juan Wolffe gave Sadune Raynor, 27, a 12-month conditional discharge so that he can further his education and provide for himself and his young daughter.

Mr Wolffe said: “One of the purposes of sentencing is to properly rehabilitate the offender so that they can repay their debt to society.

“I don’t see how a conditional discharge would not be in his best interest.”

He also told Raynor: “This is your one chance.

“I hope that will help you achieve your dream of becoming a mechanic – but that is totally up to you to do.”

Raynor, from Pembroke, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Magistrates’ Court on August 2 to an assault on a police officer.

A social inquiry report had been ordered and the case was adjourned until Friday for sentencing.

The court heard that police visited Darrell’s Wharf, Warwick, when they saw an argument between Raynor and another man in a crowd of people.

Officers, who worried that a fight would break out, separated the two men and tried to de-escalate the situation, but Raynor jumped into the crowd and started to argue with two other men.

Officers pulled Raynor out of the crowd and he shoved one of the officers with both hands.

Police eventually subdued Raynor and charged him with an assault on a police officer.

The incident took place around 1.15am on July 30.

Raynor told the court that he only felt someone grab his arm and did not realise it had been a police officer until after he shoved him.

He added that he wanted to put his past behind him and planned to go to school in the United States to become a boat mechanic.

Raynor said: “To tell you the truth, I just want to stay out of trouble.”

Maria Sofianos, for the Crown, asked that Raynor be fined $500 and given probation.

But Mia Bean, with the Department of Court Services, said that a fine could make it difficult for him to afford an education, which could force him to commit other offences to support himself.

Leroy Bean, who co-ordinates the Government’s Gang Violence Reduction Team, echoed this sentiment in court.

He said: “There are cases in the United States where small convictions have ruined lives as people try to get their education but cant because of their past.

“I think that if he gets a conviction it could potentially destroy his life.”

Mr Wolffe gave Raynor a conditional discharge for one year and reminded him to stay out of trouble.

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