Spitter’s stalking charge
A MAN who was handed a suspended sentence in the Townsville District Court a fortnight ago after spitting at an off-duty police officer has appeared in court again, this time on stalking charges.
Adam Gary Sawtell was brought from custody into the dock at the Townsville Magistrates Court on Wednesday to make an application for bail after being charged with unlawful stalking and using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
Police prosecutor Sergeant John Moran opposed the application, and alleged Sawtell had engaged in a range of concerning behaviour, and cited a recent Townsville Bulletin article. The article, published the day Sawtell was handed a wholly suspended six-month sentence for spitting in the face of an offduty police officer, detailed quotes from Sawtell including alleged threats to challenge the same officer to a fight at the PCYC.
“That same officer has now made a complaint on allegations of stalking,” Sgt Moran said. “There is a fixation problem here, your honour.”
Sgt Moran said the comments were alleged to have been made “pre and post” Sawtell’s sentencing.
Defence barrister Michael Hibble, who represented Sawtell in his original District Court matter, said the officer’s statement alleged Sawtell contacted him a number of times on bail prior to his sentencing before Judge John Coker – but “not once” was there action taken for a breach of bail.
“(In the Bulletin report) he challenged a police officer to a fight and that he would end his police career … it’s not a direct quote, but it gives a summary of what he said,” Mr Hibble said.
He said Sawtell’s latest charges would make for an “interesting trial” in the District Court, but it would be about nine months before it eventuated. Mr Hibble said Sawtell received a disability support pension, was the carer of a child, and had a diagnosed personality disorder.
He submitted Magistrate Peter Smid impose bail conditions including no access to social media, no contact with the officer and his wife, and not to travel on certain streets at Balgal Beach.
From the dock, Sawtell nodded quickly in agreement.
“And I’m making sure my client understands not to speak with the media after this,” Mr Hibble said.
Mr Smid said he was “worried” about Sawtell’s alleged behaviour, and he needed to continue with mental health care.
“That behaviour is not normal … you got a wonderful sentence, wholly suspended, and then you go around talking to the media. “You’ve got to have rocks in your head,” he said.
Bail was granted on the condition he have no access to social media, no contact with the officer and his wife, and no travelling on three Balgal Beach streets.
“If you want to go to jail – for the next nine months awaiting your trial, all you have to do is breach one of those conditions, and your wish will come true – free board and keep,” he said.
Sawtell’s matter will next be mentioned on October 20.