Man who entered chopper cockpit at Logan school event faces court

An entire Logan school was forced into lockdown after a man illegally entered the cockpit of a chopper which had landed for an event.

A 40-year-old Eagleby man who forced his way into a helicopter at a school event and placed the school into immediate lockdown has faced Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

The court heard today (Friday, August 19) that Alan Wells forced his way into the cockpit of the helicopter at a school event for Loganholme State School in May.

The prosecution noted the seriousness of the public nuisance offending and said “he has disrupted an entire school of young children”.

Mr Wells also entered Loganholme’s Hyperdome shopping centre in the same month and attempted to steal several items.

When approached by the security officer at the centre, he punched the officer numerous times, the court heard.

His lawyer said Mr Wells suffered mental health issues because of a previous motorcycle accident and was on medication as a result.

At the time of the offences, Mr Wells accidentally took twice his required dose of medication which led to his unusual behaviour.

Eagleby man Alan Wells outside Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

His lawyer said Mr Wells had the support of his family and was in touch with a community mental health worker.

Magistrate Michael O’Driscoll said he recognised the mental health issues of the defendant.

“The issue of the double dose of medication is grossly unfortunate in relation to your circumstances,” he said.

“You are under treatment and you seem to be compliant with that treatment.

“Your behaviour is a concern to the community and anything to do with schools is also a concern of some matter.

“I accept you need help and assistance.”

Mr Wells pleaded guilty to charges of being a public nuisance, trespassing and common assault.

No conviction was recorded and he was placed on 18 months’ probation.