Man admits pub robbery and police assault that broke officer's tooth
Matthew John Laughton pleaded guilty to robbing a patron at Illawarra Hotel and assaulting a police officer during arrest.
Three men targeted patrons at the Illawarra Hotel bathroom on December 27, 2025. Laughton and his two companions demanded wallets from two men at the urinals, threatening to stab them.
After about ten demands, one of the group punched a victim in the jaw and stole about $300 from his wallet. Police tracked down the men on Market Street.
Laughton fought with officers during arrest, punching one in the face and jaw three times. The impact broke the officer's upper right canine tooth and caused his jaw to lock.
Laughton pleaded guilty to robbery and assault on police; sentencing is pending in District Court.
- $300 from poker machine winnings
- Amount stolen
- December 27, 2025
- When it happened
- Illawarra Hotel bathroom, Wollongong
- Where
- Upper right canine tooth broke, jaw locked
- Officer's injury
Why it mattersViolent pub robbery and assault on police carry serious criminal consequences in NSW.
