Jamie William Matthews pleads guilty to discharging a firearm in public

After a distressed dad backed out of an attempt on his own life, he rang police as he “recognised he needed help”. When they arrived however, things took an unexpected turn. *Distressing content.

Jamie William Matthews pleaded guilty to one count of discharging a weapon in a public place.

After a young Wondai dad backed out of a suicide attempt, he rang police as he “recognised he needed help” who then charged him with a crime, a court heard on Tuesday.

Jamie William Matthews appeared at Murgon Magistrates Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to one count of discharging a weapon in a public place.

Police prosecutor Barry Stevens told the court on November 2 last year, Matthews, 35, had rung police at 11.15pm stating he had fired his rifle before police attended his address in Wondai.

“Police stated that the defendant was slurring his words, he wasn’t steady on his feet, he led police to a rifle which he had left outside,” Sergeant Stevens said.

The court heard police also found an empty cartridge from the round he had fired off earlier.

Sgt Stevens told the court Matthews legally owned the rifle.

Matthews’s solicitor Sjaana Stephens said after having financial difficulties and losing access to his car, Matthews had to reside in Kingaroy to be close to his work, which impacted his finances even further.

The court was told on the day of the incident Matthews rang his daughter for her birthday and to explain he was unable to see her because he did not have a car.

Matthews started drinking heavily, the court was told.

‘HE DISCHARGED HIS WEAPON INTO THE AIR’

The court was told after drinking, Matthews retrieved his gun and walked to nearby open field where he decided he was going to end his life.

“He stayed there some time but ultimately changed his mind … he discharged the weapon into the air and then called the police because he recognised he needed help,” Matthews solicitor said.

When police arrived they arrested Matthews and took him to Murgon police station where he had a blood alcohol concentration of .17, the court heard.

Sgt Stevens said police then took Matthews to Murgon hospital for a mental evaluation.

The court heard Matthews had worked at the Kingaroy RSL for 15 years, he was also supported by his employer who was sitting in the court proceedings.

Ms Stephens said Matthews was doing much better now.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair said it was an unusual situation, especially considering it was Matthews who made the call to police before he was charged.

“You’ve done the right thing by yourself doing what you did and you seem to be, hopefully, in a better place,” Mr Sinclair said.

Matthews was put on a good behaviour bond, the weapon was forfeited and no conviction was recorded.

If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If it is an emergency please call triple-0.