‘Reformed’ criminal Rachael Patterson in court for knife possession

A Moreton Bay woman, who previously led police on a high speed chase through Bribie Island has again found herself before a magistrate, this time because of her father’s knife.

Rachael Leigh Patterson leaving the Caboolture Magistrates Court on September 8, 2023.

A court north of Brisbane has heard how a mother trying to turn her life of crime around was found with a knife precious to her during the wee hours of the morning.

Rachael Leigh Patterson, 43, appeared in Caboolture Magistrates Court on September 8, charged with possession of a knife in a public place.

The court heard that on April 11 at 1.30am, police located Patterson’s knife under a handbag inside a parked car on Grant Road, Caboolture, in which Patterson was a passenger.

Police prosecutor Catherine Dryburgh told the court that when questioned by police, Patterson said was unaware possessing a knife in public was an offence — despite two previous entries for the same offence in 2020 and 2022.

“I can appreciate that the matter before the court could be viewed as not being the most serious of charges,” Ms Dryburgh said.

Rachael Leigh Patterson leaving the Caboolture Magistrates Court on September 8, 2023.

“The defendant has a history that’s littered with drug and property offending, and at the time she was found with the knife, she was two months into the current suspended sentence that stems from drug and property offending.

“The time that the defendant was located with the knife, the driver of the vehicle was simultaneously found in possession of cannabis and was charged.

“The concern of the prosecution in light of the defendant’s history, including offences involving violence and the circumstances surrounding the matter before court today, is the knife was in the defendant’s possession for sinister or nefarious purposes.”

Patterson’s lawyer Ms Wilton told the court after Patterson’s last criminal activity, which included stealing a car and leading police on a chase through Bribie Island, the 42-year-old has tried to turn her life around.

Notably, Ms Wilton told the court Patterson had moved onto a friend’s property for free at Mount Mee, completing work on the property in exchange for accommodation.

“She also did that to move away from her associates in the area and to try and start her life again,” Ms Wilton said.

“She does suffer from bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety and major depression.

“She was educated to Year 10, went travelling and worked in the sideshows for a very long time.

“Being on that farm has helped her mentally and she would like to work in youth services, through her experiences she’d like to help others.

“It was a knife given by her father 28 years ago, with sentimental attachment.”

The court heard Patterson is a mother of six and had three grandchildren.

In sentencing, Magistrate Andrew Hackett told the court he couldn’t view Patterson had the knife for nefarious purposes due to a lack of evidence.

“You, I‘m told, are trying to change your life,” Mr Hackett said.

“Really miss you would want to.

“Drug use and dishonesty, one goes with the other.

“This offence, the circumstance of which happens two months into a significant suspended sentence, most people would say why would you take any risk?

“One, why weren’t you at home sound asleep?

“Two, why would you have a knife?”

Patterson pleaded guilty and was fined $750, with Mr Hackett also extending her suspended sentence by four months.