Bayside man Garry Kerrish faced court after threatening 71yo neighbour

“If you go to the police, I’ll kill you”: A Macleay Island man has faced court after threatening to shoot his 71yo neighbour dead.

‘If you go to the police I’ll kill you’: A Macleay Island man has faced court after threatening to shoot his 71yo neighbour dead.

A Macleay Island man has faced court after threatening to shoot his 71-year-old neighbour.

Macleay Island’s Garry Kerrish, 68, was at his home on August 1 in 2022 when he threatened his 71-year-old neighbour, saying he would kill her.

“Police were called to a disturbance on Pelican St on Macleay Island,” the police prosecutor told Cleveland Magistrates Court.

“The victim was visibly crying.

“She stated that the defendant was standing on his back veranda and yelling ‘you skinny c--t, I’ve got a gun, and I’m going to kill you’.

“While she was inside her house she could hear him yelling things like ‘I’m going to shoot you, you f--king b---h’.

“She stated he sounded really angry and that she was really scared.”

Police, who were stationed nearby on Pelican St, heard Kerrish threaten the woman again the next day, the court heard.

“He said ‘if you go to the police I will kill you’,” the police prosecutor said.

Kerrish was later arrested after being assessed by paramedics.

Kerrish’s lawyer, Kate Jamieson, said her client - who pleaded guilty to threatening violence of discharging a firearm - suffered from a series of health issues.

“He has a 15 year history of depression and anxiety, more recently he has suffered from seizures, from epilepsy,” Ms Jamieson said.

“He said he suffered from seizures and that he was an alcoholic and he knew he should not drink alcohol on his medication.

“The police officer noted that he appeared quite delusional at the time.

“This is not something that Gary would do when he is in a usual state of mind.”

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said that Kerrish’s actions were likely caused by alcohol consumption.

“I’d say it was the drinking from 10 o’clock in the morning rather than the seizures that triggered this,” Ms Vasta said.

“Even though you may not remember it, It doesn’t take away from the fear that she’s felt.

“I’m hoping that you can think about your behaviour towards her.

“You’ve got to be aware of other people around you and potentially the anxiety that she may feel.

“It’s in everybody’s best interest that you continue to get some help.”

Kerrish was convicted and received 15 months probation.

He was ordered to pay the victim $300 in compensation.

No conviction was recorded.