Juwhan Lloyd Lee Paulson outburst leads to security change at Bundaberg courthouse

An alarming outburst from a defendant at the Bundaberg courthouse, which forced the police prosecutor to intervene, has prompted a change in security. Here’s how the drama unfolded.

Juwhan Paulsen left a private interview room at the Bundaberg courthouse in disarray.

Full-time security will be put in place at the Bundaberg courthouse after a man became highly agitated at a time when no guards were rostered on.

It comes after the NewsMail highlighted the absence of security staff in a court report on the incident which caused furniture to be damaged and the police prosecutor to step in.

Juwhan Lloyd Lee Paulson, 22 was speaking to a lawyer in a private interview room about 10am on Thursday, December 9 when he allegedly suddenly started screaming incoherently, shouting and trashing furniture, witnesses said.

A 15-page court list meant the courthouse was packed with members of the public who watched on in shock as the incident continued unchecked for about 10 minutes.

His lawyer looked visibly shaken, a witness alleged.

The incident was so loud it could be heard from inside the courtroom where police prosecutor Dean Burgess was allegedly forced to stop proceedings in a closed court to rush to the aid of the lawyer, grabbing Mr Paulson and taking him into the courtroom.

Sgt Burgess was the only person at the courthouse with the authority to restrain Paulson, with no security officers on duty that day, despite the large crowd.

About 30 witnesses were subjected to more loud thumps, banging and the floor of the courthouse rumbling as Paulson continued his outburst in the courtroom for about 10 minutes before more police arrived to arrest him and take him to the police station.

The shocking incident also prompted an email to The Department of Justice and Attorney-General and a promising response was received.

Bundaberg Courthouse.

“Security arrangements at the Bundaberg courthouse have been reviewed and additional security will be in place from 4 January 2022,” a Department of Justice and Attorney-General Spokesperson said.

“Security will staff the courthouse during public opening hours, from 8.30am-4.30pm.”

A DJAG spokesperson said Courts Services Queensland was aware of a security incident that occurred at the Bundaberg courthouse that day, with Queensland Police Service staff responding to the situation.

“DJAG will review security arrangements at the Bundaberg courthouse to ensure safety and security in the court,” a spokesperson said.

“The security and safety of the judiciary, court staff, clients and members of the public is a priority for the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.”

The NewsMail understands Mr Paulson had turned himself in to the Bundaberg Magistrates Court after a warrant was issued for his arrest by the Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

Mr Paulson stepped out of the courtroom to speak to his lawyer about what a committal mention would mean moving forward, and allegedly became upset during the subsequent conversation.

A fail to appear warrant had been issued on November 25, 2021 for charges of wilful damage and failing to appear in October 2021, as well as possessing dangerous drugs on November 19, 2020.

Mr Paulson appeared from the Bundaberg watch house on Friday, December 10, after being placed into custody following Thursday’s events.

He began his appearance by “apologising”.

“I’m so sorry about what happened yesterday I just kinda flipped out,” he said to Ms McGarvie.

“I’m just sick of court and that’s why I got p----d off yesterday because I’m just wasting my time here in this f---ing court.”

Ms McGarvie immediately stood down to allow a lawyer to speak to Paulson about the swearing.

When she returned, Mr Paulson was given another chance to apologise.

“I’m so sorry about what happened, that’s all I wanted to say your honour. I’m just really p****d off.”

Ms McGarvie further addressed Mr Paulson’s lawyer about the behaviour.

“I’m going to give him an opportunity to think about what he wants to say and I’m going to direct that he be held in custody while I consider if he should be charged with contempt and formulate the charge,” she said.

The case was adjourned to Monday, January 31, and Mr Paulson remanded in custody.