Joseph Blackburn, 21, allegedly held handgun while threatening 17yo girl at Collaroy party
A man who was allegedly holding a realistic looking fake gun when he assaulted a teenage girl at a New Year’s Day party has appeared in a Sydney court.
Manly
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A man who allegedly threatened a teenage girl while he held a handgun at a northern beaches New Year’s Day party has appeared in Manly Local Court.
Joseph Blackburn, 21, allegedly had the replica semiautomatic gun, which fires pellets, when he assaulted the 17-year-old just after 7pm at Collaroy on January 1.
The alleged possession of the fake firearm — described in court documents as a Colt 1911 semiautomatic Airsoft pistol — sparked a large police response to a unit block on Pittwater Rd where the gathering was being held.
Officers were wearing bulletproof vests.
Mr Blackburn was found inside a unit and arrested.
His alleged victim suffered a cut to an arm, but did not need medical treatment.
Mr Blackburn, of Collaroy, has been charged with one count each of possess unauthorised pistol, use offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence and common assault.
Police alleged in court documents that between 7pm and 7.25pm on January 1 Mr Blackburn used an “offensive weapon to commit the indictable offence of common assault”.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On Wednesday Magistrate Ian Guy adjourned the matter to Manly court on March 8 to set a hearing date.
As part of his bail conditions, Mr Blackburn must live at an address at Prestons and report to Green Valley police station once a week.
He must also not try to approach or contact the alleged victim.
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