Luke Linsley Thorpe faces Maroochydore court after Kawana Shopping Centre arrest

A man with mental health issues was released on bail after allegedly running around a shopping centre armed with scissors threatening to kill shoppers and staff and knocking over young children. FULL STORY

A Queensland man with mental health issues was released on bail after allegedly running around a shopping centre armed with scissors threatening to kill shoppers and staff and knocking over young children.

Police compared the ‘violent’ incident to what happened in Bondi Junction.

Luke Linsley Thorpe, 41, was arrested on Friday, May 31, after he allegedly armed himself with scissors and made threats to kill staff and shoppers at a major Sunshine Coast shopping centre.

Thorpe was released on bail at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday despite police alleging he was a danger to society.

Court documents revealed police alleged Thorpe, of Caboolture, was under the influence of alcohol and was agitated when he began screaming and shouting at random shoppers.

The shopping centre was busier than usual, being a public holiday.

Police alleged as Thorpe made his way through Kawana Shoppingworld he knocked over several displays as well as barging into several members of the public including children.

He then walked into kitchenware store, House.

Police will allege Thorpe smashed several shelves on display and stole a pair of scissors from behind the counter.

He then allegedly threatened one of the older female staff members working there.

He left the store and allegedly began brandishing the scissors at members of the public while screaming and threatening them.

Police will allege another victim then approached Thorpe in an attempt to calm him down.

Thorpe demanded a ride from the victim and allegedly said “give me a ride or I’ll slash your throat”. The victim agreed, leading him out of the shopping centre into the car park.

Thorpe then allegedly threatened to slash the victims throat if he tried to lock him in the car.

This is when Thorpe was restrained by three members of the public while they waited for police to arrive and arrest him.

Luke Linsley Thorpe is arrested at Kawana Shopping World.

Court documents revealed Thorpe was already on bail for nine stealing charges, two dangerous drugs charges, and numerous other charges at the time of his arrest.

Police alleged in documents when questioned about these alleged offences Thorpe showed no remorse and told them that he likely committed the offences and did not care.

Court documents revealed Thorpe is currently a patient at Caboolture Mental Health Hospital, with an ongoing history with alcohol and unlawful drugs.

Just hours before being arrested at Kawana Shoppingworld, Thorpe was charged with trespassing at Sunshine Plaza – where he was banned from previously because of similar violent and aggressive behaviour.

Court documents revealed Thorpe is currently banned from a large number of public locations, such as shopping centres, due to his violent behaviour in the past.

Thorpe had a long history of violent offences, drug offences, property offences, street offences, and more dating back to 2009.

According to court documents, local police are concerned for public safety if he was to be released on bail.

“These are serious offences that have caused real fear to a large number of innocent people going about their everyday lives,” police said in court documents.

Luke Linsley Thorpe is arrested at Kawana Shopping World.

“There has been a recent similar incident in NSW which resulted in the deaths of a number of innocent people and the offender.

“This is still clear in the minds of the Australian public.”

The court heard Thorpe worked as a truck driver delivering concrete in north Brisbane, that he lived at Caboolture, and had been seeking treatment previously at the Caboolture Mental Health Hospital.

He was however un-medicated and still seeking a diagnosis.

“A mental health defence and he’s driving a concrete truck that’s a worry,” Magistrate Hadyn Stjernqvit told the court.

The court heard a mental health assessment would be ordered and it could be used as a possible defence.

A mental health assessment conducted on June 3, indicated “no further mental health intervention is required at this stage”.

The duty lawyer, Miss Breese, told the court “this behaviour is out of character for him”.

Magistrate Stjernqvift adjourned his charges of commit public nuisance, going armed as to cause fear, stealing, trespass, wilful damage, and common assault, to meet up with his other matters at Caboolture Magistrates Court on June 7.

Thorpe was granted bail with a curfew of 8pm to 4am, and a condition not to go to Aldi at Caboolture, and that he must seek a medical examination.