Scone Court Report: July 2019

MAGISTRATE Les Brennan presided in Scone Local Court on Thursday and Magistrate Brett Shields presided on Friday. The Scone Local Court was a part of the Tamworth circuit, but next month will become part of the Newcastle circuit as now changed to the Newcastle circuit. In August Magistrate Hugh Donnelly will preside at Scone Local Court, with the number of court days in Scone is to remain the same.

Matters before Scone Local Court this month included:

BRENNAN, John Williams, a 40 year old from Scone appeared in court and pled guilty to a charge of resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty relating to an incident on May 31 in Scone. Mr Brennan had been drinking at the Belmore Hotel in Scone with his son Trey Brennan when they were ejected from the hotel for intoxication. In the police facts Mr Brennan had claimed he believed his son’s drink had been spiked and called 000. It is alleged Mr Brennan was abusive to the 000 operator and failed to answer questions. Police located the pair on the corner of Liverpool and Hill Streets in Scone. John Brennan, police allege, was abusive to them yelling “what the fuck, don’t you want me living in your town? We fucking called you for help because my kid’s been drink spiked and you’re giving us attitude.” Trey Brennan leant forward onto the mud guard of the police vehicle and was asked not to lean on the vehicle. John Brennan is alleged to have then yelled, “he can’t fucking stand up, he’s too pissed.” Police asked Trey Brennan to sit on the grass, however Trey yelled, “fuck you dog cunts I’ve been spiked”. As he said this, he swung his left arm in an overhead manner smashing it down onto the windscreen of the vehicle damaging it. Police existed the vehicle to place him under arrest. They walked away from police and when told to stop replied, “get fucked you peddo cunts.” In the process of making the arrest Constable Barry’s shirt collar was yanked, tearing the collar. John Brennan is alleged to have continued to resist arrest also and strike out at Constable Barry. Constable Barry deployed a one second burst of Oleo resin capsicum spray into the face of John Brennan and then helped Constable Moore restrain Trey Brennan. Trey Brennan had grabbed Constable Moore around the waist in a bear hug trying to push her to the ground. Constable Barry also used capsicum spray on Trey Brennan. While police were restraining the Trey, it is alleged John attempted to run from the scene, however due to the effects of the capsicum spray he was unable to see and fell heavily, face first onto the concrete footpath. Police attempted to handcuff John however it is alleged he continued to resist violently striking out at police with his arms and feet. Eventually both men were forced into the rear of the police cage vehicle and had to be forcibly removed when they arrived at the police station in Scone. Ambulance officers were called to treat both men for the effects of the spray. Due to their aggressive natures they were transferred to Muswellbrook police station and again aggressively resisted and had to be forcibly loaded into the police caged vehicle. While in custody at Muswellbrook it is alleged John Brennan continued to yell abuse towards police. Trey Brennan was in court last month and pled guilty to charges of destroy or damage property and resist or hinder police in execution of duty. Trey was given a conditional release order for 12 months, no conviction was recorded and was ordered to pay NSW Police $590 in compensation for damages to their vehicle. Magistrate Brennan said he saw little point in giving Mr Brennan a community corrections order as he did not think Mr Brennan would change. Magistrate Brennan added, “I hope your son is not going to take after you!” Mr Brennan was fined $500 and convicted.

BURGE, Bradley Harris, a 39 year old from Bunnan had a charge of possess prohibited plant, small quantity. The alleged offence occurred on February 20 in Bunnan and relates to three cannabis plants. Magistrate Brennan said, “the thing about cannabis is if you get too good at it, you grow more plants and then mates come around and before you know it you’re in more trouble than you know!” Mr Burge was convicted, fined $500 and the plants were ordered to be destroyed.

BYRNE, Mathew Paul, a 45 year old from Murrurundi had a charge of common assault relating to an incident on June 14 in Murrurundi. The matter was adjourned until August 22 with bail to continue.

CASLICK, Wade, a 44 year old from Timor had a charge of exceed speed by 30km/hr. Mr Caslick had completed the traffic offenders program and his solicitor George Fraser argued his strong need for a licence including lack of public transport in the local area and that he would lose his job if he was unable to drive. Magistrate Brennan noted Mr Caslick had been speeding on Rouchel Road, Rouchel at the time of the incident and said he was unaware of the condition of the road. He also noted Mr Caslick’s driving record including five matters in eight years, six matters in 11 years, then 11 years of no offences, then use phone, a minor speed offence, no seat belt and another use phone. “So, something is happening to your driving as you are getting older.” Magistrate Brennan said he understood Mr Caslick’s need for a licence and said, “on this occasion I will dismiss the matter under section 10, 1A.” He cautioned Mr Caslick to improve his driving. 

CROWLEY, Penelope Ann, a 42 year old from Blandford pled not guilty to a charge of owner of dog which attacks etc person etc, which was brought to court by the Upper Hunter Shire Council. The alleged offence occurred on November 8 at approximately 5:30pm in Susan Street, Scone involving a tan bullmastiff owned by the accused. The matter was withdrawn and dismissed.

DEACON, Steven Graham, a 47 year old from Mosman entered a written plea of not guilty to a charge of use uninsured motor vehicle and use uninsured motor vehicle. The matter was adjourned until October 25 for hearing.

DE BEAUX, Jonathan Charles, a 46 year old from Bentley failed to appear on a charge of approach pedestrian crossing too quickly to stop safely, but entered a written plea of guilty. The offence occurred on April 8 at 3:45pm on Bettington Street, Merriwa. Mr De Beaux was driving a large semi-trailer with a heavy load, down Bettington Street and failed to give way to a female teenage student waiting at a pedestrian crossing in a school zone and failed to stop. At the time he was also tailgating another vehicle. Mr De Beaux was convicted and fined $550.

DOUGLAS, Jason James, a 46 year old from Tamworth pled not guilty to charge of larceny, relating to stealing a Comfit Pro bag containing Dreamline XG lawn bowls the property of Raymond Wilson on June 28 in Scone, valued at $550. Magistrate Brennan noted Mr Douglas had an extremely poor attendance record for court. He set the matter down for hearing in Scone on October 25, but stressed, “you must be there, none of this crap of being in the Warrenbungles!”

DYKES, Andrew Roy, a 34 year old from Aberdeen had a charge of drive with high range prescribed concentration of alcohol – first offence. The alleged offence occurred on June 23 on the New England Highway in Scone when Mr Dykes returned a reading of 0.159. He came to the attention of police when he was driving with his high beam lights on, including the LED style light bar within 200metres. Police pulled Mr Dykes over and noticed signs of intoxication. Mr Dykes was given a breath test and returned a reading of 0.159. Mr Dykes said he had consumed at least six or seven beers and at least two cans of bourbon between 3pm and 7pm and did not consume any food. The matter was adjourned until August 22.

EVELEIGH, Brenda Joy, a 55 year old from Castle Rock appeared in court and pled not guilty to a charge of steal property as clerk/servant greater than $15,000. Ms Eveleigh is alleged to have stolen $49,352.28 worth of property of McLean Mechanical of Scone between October 2, 2015 and March 24, 2016. The matter was adjourned until August 23.

FAIRWEATHER, Ben Allan, a 39 year old from Wybong pled guilty to charges of drive with high range prescribed concentration of alcohol, posses prohibited drug and drive licence suspended under section 66 fines act – first offence. The offence occurred on April 7 when Mr Fairweather returned a reading of 0.176 at Kelly Street, Scone, was in possession of cannabis leaf and had a suspended licence. Magistrate Brennan said that this was a case where Mr Fairweather was driving on the New England Highway with other people on the road and “other people said you were driving erratically and the police were advised. So you were endangering other people on the road. If you had killed someone you would be facing a judge and jury, it might be damn inconvenient (not having a licence) but you’re not going to gaol. How are you going to get to work? I don’t know.” Magistrate Brennan also noted Mr Fairweather was convicted of a drink and drive offence in 2005. “There is no way of getting around a high range PCA and if you want to know what I think about high range PCA – I haven’t given people a section 10 bond in over 20 years!” Mr Fairweather was fined $2,000, disqualified from driving for 6 months to be followed by an interlock period and a supervised community corrections order for 18 months. On the charge of posses prohibited drug Mr Fairweather was fined $200 with drugs to be destroyed. On the charge of drive while licence suspended  Mr Fairweather was disqualified from driving for three months. Magistrate Brennan warned Mr Fairweather that he may be tempted to drive, “but please don’t because things will be very serious.”

FIELD, Oscar Bernard, a 24 year old from Scone pled guilty to a charge of drive vehicle under influence of alcohol – first offence. The offence occurred between 8:05pm and 8:50pm on January 10 on Kingdon Street, Scone. Witnesses saw Mr Field turn left into Kingdon Street, mount the gutter on the northern side of the road and the front nearside of the motor vehicle collided with a tree. Mr Field then reversed back onto the street and parked, intending to go to the Thoroughbred Hotel and struggled to walk. After speaking with witnesses, Mr Field walked to his home in Park Street. Police visited Mr Field at his residence and described him as “well affected by alcohol,” but did not perform a breath test. Mr Field told police he had consumed three 500ml pints of Stone and Wood at the Thoroughbred Hotel, with his first drink at 6pm and last at 8:15pm. He also said he had consumed two doubles of Canadian Club and dry but nothing after the collision. Mr Field was convicted, fined $300, disqualified from driving for 6 months and will have a mandatory interlock period of 24 months.

GOLLEDGE, Jeffery Richard, a 25 year old from Scone entered a written plea of guilty to a charge of drive/tow vehicle with unsecured load. Mr Golledge was convicted and fined $440.  

GREENALL, Vicky, a 48 year old from Scone had a charge of drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol – first offence, learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester and Learner driver not display “L” plates as prescribed. The alleged offence occurred on April 7 on the New England Highway in Scone at approximately 2:45am when Ms Greenall failed to dip her high beam lights. Police pulled Ms Greenall over and observed intoxication. Police performed a breath test and Ms Greenall returned a reading of 0.118. She told police she had consumed six mid-strength beers between 10pm and 1:30am. The matter was adjourned until August 22.

GRIMSHAW, Alison Marshall, a 45 year old from Gundy made an appeal against the Roads and Maritime Services. Ms Grimshaw will complete the traffic offenders program and the matter was adjourned until August 22.

HAWKSHAW, Jack William, a 22 year old from Darwin had charges of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm and destroy or damage property. The alleged offences occurred on May 11 in Scone when Mr Hawkshaw destroyed a decorative lantern and a letterbox. The matter was adjourned until September 20.

HICKS, Maxine Gai, a 51 year old from Bunnan pled guilty had a charge of common assault which is alleged to have occurred at approximately 3:40pm on January 4 in Scone. The offence occurred on January 6 between 3:40pm and 4pm at the Scott Memorial Hospital in Scone when Ms Hick assaulted Dr Merran Auland. Ms Hicks had presented with a toothache and was complaining of nausea from the pain medications. While Ms Hick’s was in the waiting room of the emergency department she “swore repeatedly at the nurses on duty.” At approximately 3:40pm Dr Auland saw Ms Hicks and Ms Hicks was also verbally abusive to her saying, “I’ve been fucking waiting I’ve got pain in my fucking teeth!” The doctor asked her to calm down and left her for two minutes and she the Dr returned Ms Hicks was more agitated. The Dr again told her to calm down otherwise she would have to wait longer, after which Ms Hicks called the doctor a “fucking cunt”. The Dr called security and Ms Hicks threw a bottle of water at her and continued swearing, “I know where you are you fucking cunt! I know where to find you, I’ll get you! You fucking cunt.” Ms Hicks was then escorted from the hospital. In court Ms Hicks said she could not excuse her actions and does not recall what the doctor looked like, “I don’t even remember what she looked like, if she was sitting in this court room right now I wouldn’t know”. Ms Hicks said she would like to write a letter to the doctor to apologise for her behaviour. Magistrate Brennan said, “you don’t want to get the doctors at the hospital offside because you might need them one day.” Ms Hicks was convicted and given a community release order for 12 months.

HJORRING, Tony George, a 50 year old from Scone pled guilty to a charge of drive with low range concentration of alcohol – first offence. The offence occurred on May 5 on Satur Road Scone when Mr Hjorring returned a reading of 0.054. Mr Hjorring said he had consumed three 330ml bottles of 150 lashes between 5pm and 7:25pm at a friend’s house. Magistrate Brennan noted Mr Hjorring had a very good record and had no offences since 2005. The Magistrate asked if not having a licence would jeopardise his job “or your boss would just be angry? While you have a need for a licence I don’t think you would have lost your job.” Due to Mr Hjorring’s prior good character he was given a community release order for 18 months, without conviction. But Magistrate Brennan warned, “you won’t get the same results again.”

HOWIE, Rachuel, a 45 year old from South Lismore breached bail conditions relating to charges of one count of shoplifting, three counts of possess prohibited drug, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of destroy or damage property, one count of contravene apprehended violence order, one count of use carriage service to menace/harass/offend and one count of possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs. Magistrate Brennan said, “this is a very unusual record, most people come into drugs do so at a young age and continue to come back and back and back into their 40’s, but you may catch up with them and end up going to gaol!” Ms Howie was convicted of three counts of drug possession and fined $200. On the charge of shoplifting, which related to food stolen from Chatswood Coles including two Gipsland yoghurts, a pack of ham and cheese rolls to the value of $9, Ms Howie was convicted and fiend $200. The Magistrate took no further action on breach of bonds.

HOWLAND, Robert Paul, a 44 year old from Muswellbrook appeared unrepresented and pled not guilty to a charge of common assault. The alleged offence occurred on November 11 at Glenbawn Dam. The matter was adjourned for hearing on September 20.

JONES, Reece Michael, a 23 year old from Scone appealed a licencing decision by the Roads and Maritime Services. Magistrate Brennan told Mr Jones, “you shouldn’t be racing to get to the races because you are late!” Magistrate Brennan dismissed the appeal, explaining to Mr Jones that it meant “you lost”, but reduced the driving suspension from three months to one month.

KERRY, Rhiannon, a 25 year old from Muswellbrook pled not guilty to charges of larceny, but failed to appear before the court and was convicted in her absence. The offence occurred on December 14 and December 18 when Ms Kerry is accused of stealing one size 3 Cowbaby Cool navy and brown kids cowboy boots, one size 3 CowBaby big chief blue and brown kids cowboy boots property from Marsh Carney valued $109.90. Ms Kerry was convicted, fined $400 and ordered to pay $109 in compensation.  

LAMBKIN, Blake Wade, a 25 year old from Scone entered a written plea of guilty for a charge of contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO. The matter was adjourned for hearing in Tamworth on July 29.

LANE, Melissa, a 44 year old from Mogo had previously pled not guilty to charges of drive motor vehicle during disqualification period and possess/attempt to prescribed restricted substance. The alleged offences occurred between 2:25pm and 3pm on October 16 at Gungal when Ms Lane was found driving and had in her possession a prescribed restricted substance which was 35 tablets of SIFROL. Ms Lane called the court to explain she had hit a kangaroo and would not arrive until 11:30am. Ms Lane was advised by the court to phone if she would be any later than 11:30am. The Magistrate reconvened court at 11:30 to hear the matter, however Ms Lane was not present. Magistrate Shields noted it was the sixth occasion Ms Lane had failed to appear and convicted Ms Lane in her absence on both counts, fining her $600 for possess/attempt to prescribed restricted substance. Later that morning Ms Lane arrived at court and the court sat again. The Magistrate explained that he had dealt with the matters in her absence. Ms Lane claimed she arrived at court at 11:34, to which Magistrate Shields said, “that’s not true madam.” Magistrate Shields said Ms Lane had the option to make an annulment or accept conviction and then deal with the sentence. Ms Lane elected to make an annulment. The matter will return to court.

LEWINS, Emma, a 39 year old form Ardglen pled guilty to a charge of destroy or damage property. The property was a red Ducati motorbike which was owned by Luke Gilbert. Magistrate Brennan asked if the bike had been repaired, to which Ms Lewins said she was unaware. Magistrate Brennan said, “Ducati’s are very expensive to repair!” Ms Lewins said the bike had been left at her place for four months, but Mr Gilbert took the bike back the same night she damaged it. Ms Lewins was convicted and given a community corrections order for 2 years.

LINTERN, Raymond Edward, a 67 year old from Murrurundi had charges of resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty and drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol – first offence. The offence occurred on May 17 on Mount Street, Murrurundi at approximately 11:50pm when Mr Linten was seen leaving the Railway Hotel. Police followed his vehicle for a short distance and pulled Mr Linten over to perform a random breath test, which returned a reading of 0.117. Mr Linten had exited his vehicle and was unsteady on his feet. When the police told Mr Linten he was under arrest and would be taken to the Murrurundi police station he was unresponsive. Mr Linten then pointed to the police vest and asked “what goes there?” pointing to the taser holder. The police explained it was the taser holder and said “but we won’t need that will we.” Mr Linten responded, “you might.” Police asked Mr Linten to lock his car several times, but Mr Linten did not follow the instructions and remained looking at the police. Police asked him to his licence, but he ignored their requests so police attempted to get his wallet, but Mr Linten pushed the police officer’s hand away. Mr Linten resisted attempts for police to get his wallet and placed him in a wrist lock and placed him against his vehicle. During the altercation Mr Linten’s pocket was ripped and the wallet fell to the ground. Mr Linten was conveyed to the police station. He informed police he had consumed an undisclosed number of light strength beers at the Railway Hotel between 6pm and had his last drink shortly before being stopped by police. He had not consumed any food while drinking. The police described Mr Linten’s behaviour towards them as belligerent and constantly ignored their instructions. When police explained he was unable to drive and his licence had been suspended, Mr Linten said , “no it’s not!” He became irate and argumentative with the police.  

Magistrate Brennan noted the references for Mr Lintern were “very different” to the statement of facts from the police. Mr Lintern’s solicitor, Mr Fraser, said the offence had been because of a random breath test and not the manner of Mr Lintern’s driving which had brought him to the attention of police. Mr Fraser said Mr Lintern only had one speeding matter on his record and had received a commendation for his volunteer work at Thredbo and during the Hunter storms. Mr Lintern had completed the traffic offenders program, but had also responded to fatal accidents in his role as an SES volunteer and with the Volunteer Rescue Association. Magistrate Brennan said it was a shame to see Mr Lintern before the court and said he felt it was not the first time Mr Lintern had done this, “just a gut feeling I have.” Magistrate Brennan advised Mr Lintern to find a pub closer to home so that he did not have to drive to it, cautioning that you can be booked riding a bike or even a horse when under the influence of alcohol. Magistrate Brennan said, “you are now probably known by the police and you might find they could show more interest in you. The person the police encountered compared to the references is a different person. You’ve put a lot into the community and it is time for you to be repaid. You have an exceptional record.” Mr Lintern was given a community release order for 18 months without conviction. “I think you will be of good behaviour for 20 or 30 years if you live that long,” Magistrate Brennan said. 

MARTIN, Clancy, a 17 year old from Merriwa failed to appear to appeal a decision by the Roads and Maritime Services. The matter was adjourned until August 22.

MURPHY, Jill Margaret, a 52 year old from Murrurundi had a charge of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm etc in relation to an incident on August 13. Ms Murphy has several matters before the court and her solicitor Mr Diggins argued the matters should be heard separately, saying if she was convicted of the first matter it may impact on the outcomes of the other matters, if they were heard on the same day. Magistrate Shields said that was the issue with country circuits with limited court dates. The matter was adjourned until September 19 to determine a new hearing date.

NAGLE, Andrew, a 30 year old from Moree entered a written plea of guilty to charges of possess prohibited drug and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit. The offence occurred on May 15 at Ardglen on the New England Highway. Police pulled the vehicle over to question them in relation to illegal drugs in the vehicle. Mr Nagle, a passenger in the vehicle, leaned across the driver and said to police, “I’e got this chief,” showing a bong used for smoking cannabis. The police asked if he had anything else and he showed them a small plastic container, which contained a small amount of cannabis. During the search of the vehicle, police also located an arrowhead style knife and a large plastic bag, which they were told contained “just some bush”. Police knew the term “bush” to be a term for drugs grown without the aid of hydroponics and weighed approximately 4 ounces. Mr Nagle was convicted and fined $700 for the possession of drugs with the drugs to be destroyed and fined $750 for the weapon, which is also to be destroyed.

ORR, Joshua, a 20 year old from Scone pled not guilty to break enter dwelling – house etc with intent. The alleged offence occurred on January 9 at approximately 12pm on Gundy Road, Scone. The matter was adjourned until August 22, with bail to continue.

PARRY, Pamela Francis, a 52 year old from Scone entered a written plea of guilty to a charge of never licensed person drive vehicle on road-first offence. The offence occurred on February 15 in Denman. Magistrate Brennan read from the police facts and noted, “police can be unkind.” He then proceeded to read from the police facts, “It is clear that the accused has made no attempt to obtain a driver’s licence after receiving an infringement notice in 2003 for the same offence.” Magistrate Brennan muttered with amazement, “2003!” Ms Parry was convicted and fined $250. 

PHILLIPS, Timothy Robert, a 46 year old from Batemans Bay pled not guilty to a charge of common assault. The alleged offence occurred at Moonan Flat with Mr David Hillinger. The matter was adjourned until September 19.

PINKERTON, Ashley John, a 39 year old from Parkville had a charge of drive with middle range prescribed concentration of alcohol – second offence. The prosecution amended the charge to first offence. The offence occurred on April 12 in Wingen, at approximately 11:15pm, when Mr Pinkterton returned a reading of 0.149. Mr Pinkteron told police he had consumed seven schooners of Great Northern beer since 7pm and did not eat any food during that time. Mr Pinkterton will complete the traffic offenders program. The matter was adjourned until August 22.

PORTER, Dominic Christopher, a 37 year old from Mullion Creek pled guilty to a charge of drive with low range prescribed concentration of alcohol. The offence occurred at approximately 8:45am on January 26 at Raymond Terrace when Mr Porter returned a reading of 0.050. Mr Potter told police he had consumed approximately ten 375ml cans of Toohey’s New beer between 5:45pm and 9pm on Friday, January 25. Magistrate Brennan noted Mr Porter was at the absolute lowest possible reading on a low range offence. Mr Porter had been drinking the night before, but had not consumed any alcohol that morning. Mr Porter’s solicitor said Mr Porter lived 30 kilometres from where he worked as a bank manager in Orange and since there was no public transport in the area it would be difficult for him to get to work. Magistrate Brennan said it was a typical morning after offence, “the danger about morning after offences is you wake up and you still have a lot of alcohol on board, but feel pretty good. Most people are unaware they are still affected.” Magistrate Brennan noted though that “you, alcohol and driving do seem to go together.” Mr Porter had a previous mid-range offence in Muswellbrook in 2011 and in 2016 was consuming alcohol while driving. Mr Porter was convicted, fined $300 and suspended from driving for three months. Magistrate Brennan gave Mr Porter some parting advice, “whilst you are disqualified, no driving!”

PRUDDEN, Lucy Margaret, a 23 year old from Scone appeared in court on a charge of drive with middle range concentration of alcohol. The alleged offence occurred on May 4 on Main Street, Scone when Ms Prudden returned a reading of 0.102 after consuming three to four beers, then a vodka and red bull at home. Ms Prudden’s solicitor chronicled her participation and contribution to the community through her involvement with league tag, noted that she had no other criminal matters and only had two speeding fines. Magistrate Brennan warned Ms Prudden, “it is not a good thing to have on your record – a drink drive – insurance companies don’t like it and whack people with a higher amount.” Ms Prudden was given a three month driving suspension, a mandatory interlock period of 12 months and a fine of $750.

RICHARDS, John Ronald, a 35 year old from Merriwa had charges of drive while licence cancelled – first offence and two counts of fail to notify authority of change of residential address. The offence occurred on May 10 on the Scone Road, Merriwa. Mr Richards was convicted and fined $400 for drive while licence cancelled and on both counts of fail to notify change of residential address he was convicted and fined $250 for each offence.

ROACH, Christopher William, a 31 year old from Scone pled guilty to charges of custody of knife in public place – first offence and drive, licence suspended under section 66 of the fines act – first offence. The offence occurred on March 6 in Sydney Street, Muswellbrook. Mr Roach was convicted of each matter fined $300 and disqualified from driving for three months.

SAUNDERS, Haylee Patricia, a 21 year old from Scone pled guilty to charges of novice driver drive with novice range prescribed concentration of alcohol – first offence and learner driver not display “L” plates as prescribed. The alleged offences occurred on April 19 when Ms Saunders returned a reading of 0.012 on Kelly Street, Scone. Ms Saunders told police she had consumed one vodka and cola before driving. The matter was adjourned until August 22.

SPITERI, Matthew, a 41 year old from Merriwa pled not guilty to charges of exclude person fail to leave premises when required, resist officer in execution of duty, use offensive language in/near public school and intimidate police officer in execution of duty. The charges relate to an alleged incident at Cassilis Rodeo at approximately 9:10pm, February 2, when Mr Spiteri failed to leave a licenced premises at Cassilis. The matter was adjourned for hearing on September 20.

SEIMSEN, Melissa, a 43 year old from Wybong pled guilty to a charge of drive with high range prescribed concentration of alcohol on July 13. The offence occurred on July 13 at approximately 12:07am on Main Street, Scone when Ms Seimsen returned a reading of 0.178. When police asked if she had consumed any alcohol she responded “yes, too much.” Ms Seimsen told police she had three cans of Canadian Club and one can of Bundeburg Rum between 8:30pm and 11:50pm. In court Magistrate Brennan said of the matter, “you’ve never done this before what’s happened? There’s nothing on your record to say you do drink and drive.” While Magistrate Brennan said he understood the issues in living in Wybong with no public transport and needing to travel to work, he said, “you still have to get convicted for this.” Magistrate Brennand reduced the fine to $1,000, gave a six month disqualification period, a two year interlock period and a conditional release order for 12 months.

STEEPE, Jason Edward, a 46 year old from Scone appeared represented on charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and armed with intent to commit indictable offence. The alleged offences occurred on March 30 in Scone at approximately 1:30pm and the weapon was a metal pole. The matter was adjourned until August 22.

TIGHE, Wayne Robert, a 57 year old from Tamworth entered a written plea of guilty to a charge of exceed 100km/hr by 20km/hr. The offence occurred on April 7 at approximately 3:37pm on Kelly Street, Scone, when Mr Tighe was travelling at 78 km/hr in a 50km zone. Mr Tighe was convicted and fined $500.

WELLS, Alex, a 40 year old from Scone appealed a decision by the Roads and Maritime Services. Mr Wells was driving on the Scone Road into Merriwa and was slowing down from the 100km zone into the 50km zone when he was found to be doing 85km in the 50km zone. Magistrate Brennan noted he only had two speeding fines on his entire driving record and had attended fatal accidents as a rural fire volunteer. Magistrate Brennan said, “at times like this your record is important, not because I punish you for having a bad record, but in this case your driving record is not bad! You went ten years with one matter and nine years with one matter, which indicates you are a careful driver.” The appeal was upheld and Mr Wells kept his licence.   

WU, Da Ming, a 57 year old from Scone appeared in court had a charge of never licenced person drive vehicle on road – first offence. Magistrate Prowse had previously instructed him to come back to court once he had a licence. Magistrate Brennan asked, “what was the prize if he got a licence?” The matter was dismissed and Magistrate Brennan warned “look after your licence Mr Wu and keep it.”

Related Stories: Previous Scone Court Reports.