Stephen John Higson: Ballina NSW knife chase allegations thrown out on mental health grounds
A northern NSW man accused of chasing his neighbour to a police station armed with a knife has now had charges dismissed.
Police & Courts
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A Ballina man has had charges dismissed due to significant mental health after he allegedly chased his neighbour to a police station while armed with a knife.
Stephen John Higson was charged with two counts of intimidation, as well as breaching an apprehended violence order (AVO) and damaging property.
However, all charges were dismissed last Thursday. The 58-year-old man previously entered not guilty pleas at Ballina Local Court.
Mr Higson’s neighbour heard him yelling in the shared backyard of their River St, Ballina properties on January 6 last year, court documents alleged.
“Mr Higson confronted his neighbour with a coloured fluorescent knife,” police state.
Police claimed Mr Higson “lunged” at the neighbour and screamed “I’m going to kill you c--t”, prompting the neighbour to run to the nearby police station.
Officers further alleged “Mr Higson chased the victim until he ran into the station, alerting police Mr Higson was chasing him with a knife”.
Police arrested Mr Higson, he was taken into Ballina Police Station and charged. Police issued an AVO to prevent further alleged violence.
Mr Higson allegedly breached the AVO by going to the door of the neighbour’s home and damaging a Toyota HiLux ute at the property.
He was arrested again and ordered to abstain from drinking alcohol as part of bail conditions.
Police alleged Mr Higson was later spotted drinking at the Australia Hotel, arrested and taken to Ballina Police, where he was handed a court attendance notice.
Defence Lawyer Sally McPherson previously told the court Higson suffered from significant mental health concerns.
Magistrate Karen Stafford dismissed all charges and discharged Mr Higson into the care of a responsible person.
Higson was ordered to seek mental health treatment and not to consume alcohol or illicit drugs.
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