Gladstone region woman’s chilling threat in Facebook row

A Central Queensland woman threatened to drown a man’s kids as a Facebook fight turned nasty.

Melinda Jane Selmes faced Gladstone Magistrates Court on November 6.

A Gladstone region woman went too far when she threatened to drown a man’s kids during a verbal stoush on Facebook.

Melinda Jane Selmes, 33, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on November 6 to using a carriage service to make a threat to kill.

The court heard that Selmes also threatened to “let the victim’s dogs out and call the pound”.

It was told the verbal stoush on Facebook Messenger happened on the afternoon of September 15.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Merrilyn Hoskins said in the messages, Selmes told the victim: “Want to meet up and sort it out face to face? I’ll find out where you live and sort you out. Keep going I will meet you and drown your kids”.

Sgt Hoskins said during questioning, Selmes told police she sent the messages because she thought she was being provoked by several people in relation to an issue about some dogs.

Melinda Jane Selmes.

The court heard that Selmes had no criminal history.

A solicitor said Selmes, who was originally from New South Wales and relocated to the Gladstone region in January, admitted her behaviour was “terrible”.

The solicitor said Selmes, who had suffered from mental health issues, had retaliated to provocation and there was name calling directed at her and her mother.

“She’s incredibly embarrassed - she had no intention to carry out the threats, she’s not a violent person by any means.”

The solicitor said Selmes had been unemployed but she was excited to have recently received a job offer.

Before penalty was handed down, Selmes told Magistrate Mary Buchanan that during the incident, she and her mother were being attacked on Facebook by four or five people.

Ms Buchanan placed Selmes on a six-month good behaviour order with a $1000 recognisance, and 12 months’ probation.

No conviction was recorded.