Kym William White pleads guilty in Roma Magistrates Court to using a phone carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence

A homeless man who was provided shelter before being kicked out for allegedly stealing alcohol has landed in court for threatening to stab the man who took him in, with the owner saying he now fears for his life.

A homeless man found wandering around drunk has fronted court for using his phone to harass and threaten the man who provided him shelter.

Kym William White pleaded guilty in Roma Magistrates Court to using a phone carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.

Police prosecutor Mathew Donnelly said police located a “grossly” intoxicated White at the Wallumbilla Showgrounds after reports he was menacing and harassing a 24-year-old Roma man.

The court was told White was offered shelter by the victim but was asked to leave the property after the owner believed the defendant stole alcohol from inside his house.

At the time in early March White was living out of his ute and caravan on the victim’s property.

“They’ve known each other for approximately two years,” Mr Donnelly said.

“The victim was aware the defendant was homeless and travels around Australia in his ute and caravan and had nowhere to stay, so the victim told him he could come and live at his address in his ute and caravan.

“He said he didn’t have to pay rent and could live there for free.”

Mr Donnelly said White removed multiple cans of alcohol from the victim’s upstairs fridge and he is subject to charges in respect to that matter.

On March 12 the victim sent a text message to White as he was not comfortable telling the defendant in person to move out and was unsure how he would react.

White replied he would leave the next day.

Kym William White pleaded guilty in Roma Magistrates Court to using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.

Later on March 21 the victim sent another message to White in relation to returning money, however the defendant was hostile and threatened to stab the victim.

“Almost immediately he (the defendant) replied with a message contained on the tendered document. It contains a number of threats and so forth,” Mr Donnelly said.

“The victim who received the messages is scared to leave and live at his own residential address.

“He’s got CCTV cameras for his house after receiving the text messages and voice recordings.

“The victim was fearful for his own safety and his partner’s safety, he’s not sure of what the defendant is capable of doing and his intentions behind the threat.”

Shortly later police found White at the Wallumbilla Showgrounds and arrested him.

“The defendant didn’t take part in an interview, he was grossly affected by alcohol at the time,” Mr Donnelly told the court.

“It was quite likely there was no intent behind the submissions, but the reality is the nature of these conversations are quite concerning.”

Defence lawyer Laurie Parker said his client was “blind drunk” when he sent the threatening text messages.

“He lives a carefree sort of lifestyle, he’s got a bad back and is hoping to get on Centrelink and the disability pension,” Mr Parker said.

Acting magistrate Michael Bice said while the defendant has one prior conviction of a similar nature, he has taken into account the defendant’s age and probability he was acting out of character.

“The offence was somewhat triggered in nature and there doesn’t seem to be any intent to do harm. It was committed under extenuating circumstances,” Mr Bice said.

“You were highly intoxicated and texting, which is never a good thing and so many people have come undone texting especially when under the influence.”

White was placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond, with $500 to be forfeited from him if breached.

No conviction was recorded.