Matthew Anthony Muscat pleads guilty to public nuisance

A Bundaberg father’s abusive verbal spray towards public health staff has landed him in a South Burnett Court.

An obstinate contractor has been slugged with a fine after verbally abusing health staff at a Covid testing site and leaving afraid for their safety.

Kingaroy Magistrates Court heard Matthew Anthony Muscat was at a drive through testing facility at Kingaroy Airport on June 6, 2022, just before 2pm when he unleashed his abuse at staff.

He was not wearing a mask.

When asked why he was not wearing one as required by procedures, he verbally abused the Queensland health practitioner.

“I don‘t have f-----g Aids, you f-----g c---t,” he said.

Police prosecutor Lisa Manns told the court Muscat then refused to move his car and demanded to be tested and be given the results immediately.

“The workers were afraid for their safety,” she said.

Muscat’s behaviour caused other drivers waiting in the line to become worried, the court heard, and he drove off before police arrived at the scene.

Matthew Anthony Muscat pleaded guilty in Kingaroy Magistrates Court to a public nuisance charge.

Muscat’s solicitor said his outburst was part and parcel of domestic disputes involving his client that weekend, and he is now undergoing anger management programs in Bundaberg.

“He regrets his actions,” she said.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair accepted Muscat’s plea of guilty to the public nuisance charge and fined him $1000.

“Public health officials shouldn’t be abused,” Mrs Sinclair said.

A conviction was recorded.