Mitchell Paterson, 53, tells magistrate to shut up in Geelong courtroom

Dramatic scenes erupted inside a Geelong courtroom when a man told the magistrate to shut up before storming out.

Dramatic scenes unfolded inside a Geelong courtroom on Thursday. Picture: Mitch Bear

A Geelong man has lashed out at a magistrate in court, saying the charges brought before him are “illegal” and telling her to shut up.

Mitchell Paterson, 53, fronted the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and had been charged with multiple offences, including hindering and resisting police, and threatening to assault.

The matter was to be a contest mention as Mr Paterson, who represented himself in court, was planning to dispute the charges against him.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie told Mr Paterson a summary of the alleged offending could be read aloud to the court before she gave an indication of a sentence if he pleaded guilty to the charges.

Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable David Van Der Pol said Mr Paterson could be eligible for a good behaviour bond.

“But the charges (brought before me) are illegal,” Mr Paterson said.

“Oh god, here we go,” Ms McGarvie said.

Mr Paterson then explained his situation to the court, which led to a heated discussion and the man talking over Ms McGarvie.

“You do not talk over me, it is my court, I am in charge,” Ms McGarvie said.

“You spoke over me,” he replied.

“I can speak over you, I have the right to do that … I will have you removed,” Ms McGarvie said.

A security guard was then called into the room.

The court was told some of the charges stem from an alleged incident where he allegedly breached a court order.

Mr Paterson alleges he had been told the order had been revoked.

But Ms McGarvie said the order was still in place and he was prohibited from being at a particular person’s home, even if they were not there.

“All I was doing was storing my stuff,” Mr Paterson said.

“It was ill-advised for them to tell you the order had been revoked,” Ms McGarvie said.

“You aren’t allowed to go to the house.

“(They) could have been in Bali and you aren’t allowed to go to the house, it doesn’t matter where (they) are.”

Mr Paterson then unleashed on Ms McGarvie, saying “if you shut up and listen (to what I’m saying)”.

“Don’t you tell me to shut up,” Ms McGarvie said.

“I have told you this is my court.”

Mr Paterson shouted “it’s discrimination” before he stormed out of the courtroom, closely followed by a security guard.

The matter will return to court for a one day contest hearing on April 24 and will be heard before a different magistrate.

“I’m not going to touch this (matter) again,” Ms McGarvie said.

Originally published as Mitchell Paterson, 53, tells magistrate to shut up in Geelong courtroom