Erik Te Aroha Pihere pleads guilty to possessing knife in public place

A young man has fronted court after an afternoon picnic that took a troubling turn, ending with him lying on the ground awaiting police arrival with a knife protruding from his bag.

Erik Te Aroha Pihere pleads guilty to possessing knife in public place.

A young Gold Coast man, with a history of violence and drugs, has pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in a public place, after his afternoon picnic took a turn for the worst.

Erik Te Aroha Pihere, 22 from Coomera, was seen by Redland locals to be walking along a major Bayside road waving around a 35cm knife while “blowing off some steam”.

A Police Prosecutor said local police received a call from a member of the community on February 15, 2024, on Ziegenfusz Road in Thornlands, who observed a man carrying a large knife and waving it around.

“At 12.02pm police stopped the man while patrolling the area and responding to a welfare check,” the Sergeant said.

“When police found him he was lying down on the ground with the knife sticking out of his bag.

“He was detained and placed in handcuffs,” she said.

The court heard Pihere had been enjoying a picnic at a nearby park before an argument with his partner had ensued.

Pihere’s lawyer said his actions were down to a moment of “foolishness”.

Erik Te Aroha Pihere leaving Cleveland Magistrates Court.

“He had a verbal argument at the picnic and elected to walk home, which speaks to why he had the knife,” a lawyer said.

“He was walking, letting off some steam and was waving it around.

“There is no suggestion he threatened anyone with it and he quickly came to his senses,” he said.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said she was pleased to hear that Pihere was undergoing an intensive behavioural program for men.

“You must be able to control your behaviour,” Ms Vasta said.

Pihere was sentenced to serve a $500 good behaviour bond for nine months.

No convictions were recorded.