Four ‘abused police’ as family member arrested
A FAMILY of four banded together and hurled abuse at police to try to stop officers from arresting a fifth family member, the Southport Magistrates Court heard.
The McKenzie family – Marcus, 47, Tracey, 46, Candice, 26 and Shaun, 18 – all pleaded guilty yesterday to one charge each of public nuisance and obstructing police.
Prosecutor Chris Freeman told the court the incident started about 7pm on February 13 when police arrived at the family’s Labrador home to arrest oldest son Bradley on a warrant for stealing charges.
He said police wrestled Bradley to the ground and the rest of the McKenzie family came running.
As they walked Bradley to the police van, the four tried to stop police and began abusing them.
“Candice was yelling at a police officer he is ‘a smart arse (expletive)’,” Mr Freeman said.
“Shaun was saying ‘take your f---ing badge off and see how big you are then’.”
Mr Freeman said Marcus also called police a derogatory name while Tracey yelled she “hoped their kids were run over”.
Defence lawyer Bianca Van Heerden, of Ashkan Tai Lawyers, said the family were trying to protect Bradley.
“It was an emotional response and they went into a protective mode for their son,” she said.
“Bradley continued to yell because he was being hurt by his hands being behind his back.
“They are extremely embarrassed and remorseful for being before the court.”
Magistrate Andrew Sinclair sentenced Marcus, Tracey and Shaun each to a $500 good behaviour bond for five months and no convictions were recorded. Candice, who has a criminal history, was fined $750 and a conviction was recorded.
“Police tend to only deal with people they have to and they only use the amount of force they have to. As time went by there was no reason for your behaviour to continue,” Mr Sinclair said.
He said the “greatest measure” of Tracey and Marcus’ character was they had never been before the courts before.