Storm Cherie Henderson pleads guilty to taking photos in courtroom

A Sunshine Coast teen took photos and a video of a witness giving evidence before she accosted them outside a courtroom, a court has heard.

A Mooloolah Valley teenager accosted a witness during criminal proceedings after videoing them giving evidence and sending it to others, a court has heard.

Storm Cherie Henderson will have to perform 40 hours’ community service for her “extremely disrespectful” antics in the Maroochydore Courthouse on March 31, 2022.

Caloundra Magistrates Court heard the 18-year-old had taken photos and a video of a person who was giving evidence in a courtroom.

Henderson and the co-accused then “accosted” the witness outside the courtroom before she shared the photos and video with others.

Police prosecutor Amanda Brewer said Henderson “completely disregarded the court process” which protected witnesses while giving evidence.

Sergeant Brewer said there was a co-accused but they had not been dealt with at this time.

Defence solicitor Donna Hanslow-Hastie said the teen had been completing a certificate in community service but left her studies to help her family following a serious car crash.

Ms Hanslow-Hastie said she had no criminal history and had co-operated with police, receiving “enough of a fright” from the charges.

Magistrate Catherine Benson said the 18-year-old’s actions were “incredibly immature” as she had interfered with a witness and the court process.

Henderson pleaded guilty to two counts of taking photographs during court proceedings, two of prohibition of publishing photographs and public nuisance.

No convictions were recorded.