A Rockhampton man convicted of breaching a domestic violence order, and obstructing and assaulting police, blamed his actions on drug use that resulted from bullying at school. The 35-year-old man’s lawyer told Rockhampton Magistrates Court that he turned to marijuana at 14 as a coping mechanism after bullying for being gay.
The defendant cannot be named for legal reasons.
The Morning Bulletin reported that the man pleaded guilty on December 13 to all charges. Police alleged he visited his former partner’s home at 10 pm at night. He previously lived with the other person for six years. He banged on the door, demanded his former partner open it and threatened to slit their throat. Four days later, he again acted aggressively towards the same person, shaping up and making physical threats.
During the course of his subsequent arrest, he punched a police officer in the face.
The man’s lawyer told the court that alcoholism ran in the defendant’s family. Raised by his grandparents, he grew up in a small town where it was hard being gay. After using marijuana from the age of 14, he began using hard drugs before he turned 16.
“He was under the influence of alcohol and meth during these offences.”
The magistrate convicted the man on two counts of breaching a domestic violence order, one of obstructing police and one of assaulting police.
When he committed the Rockhampton offences, the defendant was already on a suspended sentence for a previous conviction in Darwin for aggravated assault with a firearm or weapon.
He received a one year sentence but after spending 102 days in custody awaiting trial, he was released immediately on parole.
People who use ice can and do recover.
If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s drug use, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (Adis), a free 24 hour, 7 day anonymous and confidential service on 1800 177 833. Family Drug Support also provides support for people impacted by the alcohol or other drug use of a family member. Phone 24 hours, 7 days a week on 1300 368 186.
Alternatively, visit qld.gov.au/icehelp for information.
If you or someone you know is at risk of domestic and family violence:
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000) and ask for the police.
Support for Queensland women is available from the DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811.
Support for Queensland men is available on the DVConnect Mensline on 1800 600 636.
Call Diverse Voices on 1800 184 527 from 3pm – midnight. Diverse Voices is a peer-to-peer phone and internet counselling service focused on the diverse voices that make up our community.
For the latest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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