Francesco Bontorno pleaded guilty to creating a public nuisance
A Maryborough court was closed and people placed in a ‘safe room’ after a man who was there for a peace and good behaviour application created a public disturbance.
Police & Courts
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A court had to be closed and people placed in a “safe room” when a man caused a disturbance at Maryborough courthouse.
Francesco Bontorno pleaded guilty to one count of public nuisance when he faced Maryborough Magistrates Court this week.
The court heard on September 3, 2024, Bontorno was in the Maryborough court for a peace and good behaviour application.
Police were called to the courthouse after Bontorno “had become upset” and started abusing people and causing a disturbance, the court was told.
The court was closed and people were placed in a “safe room”, the court heard.
Duty lawyer Morgan Harris said Bontorno was at court at the time and there were people present who were filming him.
Mr Harris said that had triggered Bontorno’s PTSD.
He had been diagnosed with the condition and was medicated, Mr Harris said.
There were no direct threats to anyone who was present at the time and no wilful damage, he said.
Magistrate John Milburn told Bontorno he could not act that way.
Bontorno was placed on a $500 good behaviour bond for five months.
In a separate and unrelated matter this week, Neil Charles Harrild also pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance.
The court heard Harrild on 9am August 22, police were called in relation to Harrild abusing people walking past.
When police arrived officers observed Harrild acting in a disorderly manner, yelling out the word “c —t” and “f —k you”.
Duty lawyer Morgan Harris said Harrild had multiple personality disorder and was living rough at the time.
He was now medicated and was with the Public Trustee now.
Mr Harris said the incident had unfortunate timing because it happened on market day in Maryborough.
Mr Milburn fined Harrild $350 and a conviction was recorded.
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