Michael Lawrence Potter sentenced for Maroochydore public nuisance

A 41-year-old Maroochydore man who had a 27cm knife in his pants when he threatened to fire bomb Sunshine Coast units has faced court without a key clothing item.

A 41-year-old Maroochydore man who was armed with a knife when he threatened to fire bomb a Sunshine Coast unit block has fronted court barefoot.

Michael Lawrence Potter rocked an understated look while being placed on a two-month suspended prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to committing three offences on November 12 and 26, 2021.

Maroochydore Magistrates Court heard witnesses told police Potter was armed with a knife while threatening to fire bomb the Hinkler Pde apartments at 8.51pm on November 26, 2021.

Police prosecutor Rebecca Lambert said Potter was drunk, yelling and swearing when officers arrived.

“They observed he was agitated and had a knife tucked into the front side of his belt line,” she said.

Senior Constable Lambert said the 41-year-old also had an axe in his bag.

Constable Lambert said he took a few steps towards police before he complied with their direction to drop the 27cm knife.

Potter had already been arrested on November 12, 2021 after he caused a loud disturbance at the same Maroochydore address.

Constable Lambert said Potter continually swore at police and other residents during a drunken rage.

“He was immediately argumentative and began swearing at police about nearby tenants, referring to them as junkie mother f---ers and drug dealers,” she said.

Police were warned by other residents that Potter had a knife before one was found nearby.

Constable Lambert said he had a significant criminal history and suggested a probation order may help address any alcohol and mental health issues associated with Potter’s offending.

Duty lawyer Ben Rynderman said Potter was not charged with assaulting police or threatening violence.

Mr Rynderman said frustrations boiled over for Potter, who suffered from schizophrenia and an acquired brain injury.

“There is a history of residents breaking into my client’s unit, three times in the past,” he said.

“He reacted to the situation very poorly.”

Michael Lawrence Potter rocked an understated look while being placed on a two-month suspended prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to committing three offences in November 2021. Picture: Sunshine Coast Daily.

He said Potter had spoken to police to no avail and was waiting for an accommodation transfer.

Mr Rynderman said a probation order could have a rehabilitative, restorative and beneficial outcome for Potter.

The court heard Potter was on parole when he was charged with one count of public nuisance, possessing a knife in a public place and possessing utensils that had been used.

He pleaded guilty to all the offences.

Magistrate Maxine Baldwin said Potter was on a “trajectory to jail” and stressed the importance of him addressing his personal issues.

She asked if Potter would like probation or if he would prefer to work with his doctor.

“For the next 12 months I want you to work really hard knowing that if you get your buttons pressed and blow up, you’re going to go to jail for a couple months,” Ms Baldwin said.

“You've got to keep working with your doctor and working with the community hub.”

She suspended the prison sentence for 12 months.