Ronald Charles Canning, 33, fights charge of trying to drown Tweed police officer Sgt Mark Maxwell at Murwillumbah
A Qld man charged with trying to drown a Tweed cop held his head in his hands, banged a table and exclaimed: “Attempted murder? This is f**ked, man – no one’s gonna’ believe me.” Here’s the latest.
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A Queensland man charged with trying to drown a Tweed cop held his head in his hands, banged a table and exclaimed: “Attempted murder? This is f--ked, man – no one’s gonna’ believe me.”
“I’m f--ked, aren’t I?” Ronald Charles Canning continues in a video shot by NSW Police shortly after his arrest for allegedly attempting to drown Tweed Byron Police officer Sergeant Mark Maxwell in a Murwillumbah drain on October 31, 2022.
Canning is seen swearing and seems distressed in the footage aired while the 33-year-old appears in Lismore District Court for a trial, which began April 15. He is facing Judge Jonathan Priestley, who will decide his fate without a jury.
A detective sergeant and officer-in-charge informs Canning he is being charged with trying to murder the officer in the video played in the court on Monday.
Earlier, Sgt Maxwell told the court he pursued Canning into the water, was overpowered and fought to reach his gun as he struggled for breath, afraid he would die.
But defence barrister Jason Watts described the officer’s description as “exaggerated, misconstrued, misdescribed”.
Canning was drunk and arguing with his partner Tanari Clarke at Murwillumbah, about 30km southwest of Tweed Heads, before he bolted and ended up in the drain with Sgt Maxwell, Crown witness and Murwillumbah resident Adam Bartlett told the court.
In total, four witnesses described the couple as affected by drugs or intoxicated on the day.
Ms Clarke phoned brother Dylan Clarke to tell him her and Canning would pick up a white Subaru Forester left near Ms Green’s house that night.
Mr Bartlett told them to “get their stuff and leave and don’t come back”, the court heard.
Canning allegedly told Mr Bartlett: “We’re both drunk and I can’t find my key, my brother.”
After leaving the Williams St address, Canning and Ms Clarke were seen arguing, according to one resident, who alleged the accused yelled “hurry up, you dog”.
Ms Clarke had suffered deep cuts to her forearms, witnesses told the court. It’s not suggested Canning inflicted the wounds.
Ms Clarke was described as screaming hysterically and Canning allegedly said: “No wonder your family don’t like you. If you don’t stop, it’s over.”
Mr Watts suggested the couple were “goofing off” and said they were also seen hugging. Prosecution witness Benjamin Leonardi said he called police because it did not make sense.
He described the situation as not “directly physical”, but said it was “building up”.
Crown witness, Dylan Clarke told the court he clearly heard Canning threaten to burn the house down and Mr Bartlett phoned police.
“ … there was someone with a warrant in our area coming to our place and he rang the police because he knew what kind of people they are,” Mr Clarke said.
However, Mr Watts said there was no serious or specific threat from Canning or Ms Clarke.
Sgt Maxwell was the only officer in Murwillumbah when he found Canning and Ms Clarke on Wentworth St.
He did not have a body camera or portable police radio – which the court heard was a common scenario for officers in a supervisory role.
Sgt Maxwell has repeatedly told the court he feared for his life as he later struggled with Canning and barely escaped.
“I grabbed (Canning) in a choke hold and yelled out for help,” he said.
“I told Mr Clarke to get on police radio and tell them where we are and to hurry.”
Mr Bartlett previously told the court he found Canning on top of the officer and sought help.
Under cross examination, Sgt Maxwell did not say why he had not been wearing a camera or radio.
Judge Priestley suggested “he was a bit unprepared on that day”.
The court heard Canning had been transferred to Tweed Heads and detectives had taken on the investigation.
Canning was detained for an outstanding warrant, but the defence argued he was never formally told he was being arrested for alleged attempted murder and police did not note Canning was intoxicated.
Sgt Maxwell did not exaggerate when he described the “terrifying ordeal”, the prosecution contended.
The officer allegedly had “hands over his head and face” which “forced him underwater”.
It was alleged the attack only ended when Sgt Maxwell managed to connect with a desperate strike.
However, Mr Watts has said his client simply wanted to run from the area and had no intention of drowning a cop.
The trial continues.
Got a news tip? email catherine.piltz@news.com.au
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