Shopper punches security guard in the face when he is told he can't come in without a mask

A furious shopper allegedly punched a security guard in the face after he was told he had to wear a mask into a shopping centre after a coronavirus outbreak.

The 47-year-old man walked into a shopping centre in Lismore, near Byron Bay on the NSW north coast, about 12.40pm on Thursday.

He was stopped by a security guard and offered a free mask to wear inside, but instead allegedly punched him in the face.

A man has been charged after allegedly punching a security guard and bystanders at a Lismore shopping centre (pictured) when he was told to wear a face mask 

The man allegedly continued to punch the guard in the head causing bystanders to rush to the worker’s aid. 

The furious shopper refused to calm down, punching several people in the head and chest – one of which was left battered and bruised, police alleged.

Police were called in and tried to take the man into custody – at which point he allegedly kicked a senior constable in the face and chest.

Pepper spray was used to subdue the enraged man and he was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station where he allegedly bit an officer on the hands and wrist. 

The officer was treated at Lismore Base Hospital.

The man was charged with two counts of assault, assault causing bodily harm, two counts of resisting arrest, assaulting an officer in the execution of duty, affray, assaulting police causing bodily harm, and property damage. 

He was remanded in custody to face Lismore Bail Court on Friday.

On top of the charges, he was also fined $1,000 for not complying with the public health order in place on the north coast mandating mask wearing.  

The security guard told the man he had to wear the mask to prevent the spread of Covid and even offered him a free one (stock image)