Paintball gun attack ‘reckless’
A PARADISE POINT driller shot a paintball gun into a neighbour’s bedroom window after a dispute which started after the household was reported for growing pot.
Magistrate Louise Shephard described the attack as “reckless” and “frightening”.
“I understand the frustrations that can come from neighbourhood disputes,” she said.
“In my view it is such appalling behaviour in what you did and reckless to the outcomes (which could result) from that.”
The woman has since moved from the neighbourhood.
Charles Joseph Knowles, 28, pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday to multiple charges including discharging a weapon in a public place, wilful damage, driving while disqualified and possessing a weapon.
Ms Shephard ordered Knowles perform 60 hours community service and fined him $1500.
Knowles already has a $15,000 debt with the State Penalties and Enforcement Register due to fines from other offences.
The court was told the attack, in September last year, came after a dispute between Knowles’ mother and the neighbour.
Knowles’ solicitor Joe Wicking, of Howden Saggers Lawyers, said the dispute started when the neighbour reported to police they had seen cannabis plants growing in Knowles’ backyard.
“It created a very negative environment in that community,” he said.
He said another person had since been fined over the plants.
It is understood the woman was not home when the shot was fired through the window.
Mr Wicking said Knowles worked full-time with Tweed Valley Water Bores.