Koby Weaver Sentenced for Assault on Off-Duty Police Officers

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in prison for a violent assault on an off-duty police officer in Sydney, but has since been granted bail pending appeal.

Sentencing and Bail Details

Weaver was sentenced to a maximum of two years in prison with a 12-month non-parole period for the charge of recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm. The sentence was backdated to account for time already served. He will be eligible for parole in February 2026.

On April 10, 2025, Weaver was granted bail under specific conditions. He must report to a police station three days a week, abstain from alcohol and prescription drugs, and live with his parents. A return court date is set for May 18, 2025, as he pursues an appeal of his sentence.

"Weaver's intervention put people's lives at risk." – Judge Greg Grogin

Two co-offenders, Danai Deneiderhavsein and Finley Goodwin, were sentenced for assault occasioning actual bodily harm. They were each fined $2,200 and ordered to serve their sentences in the community under strict conditions, avoiding further prison time.

Incident Overview

The assault occurred on January 22, 2025, on Enmore Road, Newtown. The incident involved a brawl between three men and two off-duty police officers who were among crowds leaving a concert.

Over several minutes, the interaction escalated into physical altercations involving pushing, shoving, punches, and kicks. The victims attempted to retreat as the fight moved onto the road. At one point, one of the victims was on his back holding Finley Goodwin by the collar. Weaver then broke the grip by stomping on the victim's head before fleeing the scene.

CCTV and mobile phone footage of the incident captured an audible cracking sound when Weaver stomped on the victim's head. The officer sustained serious injuries, including a brain bleed and facial fractures.

Legal and Defense Statements

Prosecution

Crown solicitor Alexandra Bova described the video as "confronting," arguing the attack was unprovoked, random, and repeated. She stated that street violence by young men, often under the influence of alcohol, is common.

Judge's Remarks

Judge Greg Grogin concluded that the three men acted "in a pack" to attack two innocent men, describing the events captured on video as a "barbaric attack."

Weaver's Defense

Lawyer Jane Sanders stated her client perceived his friend was in danger and initially tried to separate the parties. She conceded the kick was "excessive and reckless" and described the footage as "shocking." Sanders noted Weaver had spent 65 days in custody, shown "impeccable" behavior since being granted bail, and his employer rehired him.

Co-offenders' Defense

Goodwin's lawyer, Tomislav Bicanic, mentioned his client sought psychiatric treatment and was medicated for ADHD. Deneiderhavsein's lawyer, Timothy Scott, highlighted that the first physical contact was initiated by one of the victims and his client's involvement was of limited duration.

"The attack was unprovoked, random, and repeated." – Crown solicitor Alexandra Bova