Stephen John Higson, 58, pleads not guilty to chasing neighbour with knife, Ballina

A North Coast man stands accused of lunging at his neighbour with a knife before being bitten by a protective dog. The fracas then resulted in an alleged armed chase toward a police station.

Stephen John Higson pleaded not guilty on June 20, 2024 to intimidation at Ballina Local Court.

A Ballina man allegedly chased his neighbour to a police station armed with a knife after the victim’s dog bit him on the leg in a prior altercation.

Stephen John Higson, 58, pleaded not guilty at Ballina Local Court on Thursday to two counts of intimidation, breaching an apprehended violence order (AVO) and damaging property.

Court documents state Higson lives in an apartment above the alleged victim’s unit on River St, Ballina.

Police allege Higson was “ranting” and “raving”, yelling “unintelligible words” in the shared back garden at the alleged victim about 4pm on January 6 last year.

The neighbour followed Higson into Winton Ln where he continued yelling.

The victim was allegedly confronted with a knife in Winton Ln, Ballina. Picture: Google Maps

“Higson confronted his neighbour with a coloured fluorescent knife,” police allege.

“He (allegedly) lunged at the victim and yelled: ‘I’m going to kill you c--t’, aiming for the neighbours stomach.

The alleged victim’s dog managed to escape from his home and (allegedly) bit Higson on the leg, giving the alleged victim a chance to retreat without being injured.

The neighbour put his dog back inside and returned outside where Higson allegedly started running at him again.

The alleged victim ran towards the police station, located across the road.

The outside of Ballina Police Station. Picture: Savannah Pocock

“Higson (allegedly) chased the victim until he ran into the station, alerting police Higson was chasing him with a knife.

Police arrested Higson and found a purple knife sheath on him, where he made partial admissions he was using the knife to scare the alleged victim.

He was taken to Ballina Police Station and charged, with police issuing him with an AVO to protect the victim.

Higson breached the AVO a few days later when he went to his neighbour’s door.

He allegedly said: “You are a f--king dog, you wait. You want to charge me”, before allegedly damaging the victim’s Toyota HiLux.

Higson was arrested again and given bail conditions, which include abstaining from alcohol.

Higson was told as part of his bail conditions he must not consume alcohol. Picture: Generic/File

These conditions were allegedly breached a few weeks later when officers found Higson drinking at the Australia Hotel Ballina.

He was arrested and taken to Ballina Police Station and given a court attendance notice.

Defence Lawyer Sally McPherson said Higson presents with significant mental health issues.

The case has been adjourned to July 31.