Christopher Laubham charged with capsicum spray, knife, and drug possession

A Kogarah man who was caught with capsicum spray, a razor blade and drugs told police it was for self-defence as ‘people follow me,’ a court has heard.

Christopher Laubham pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon, having a knife in a public place, and possessing a prohibited drug. Picture: Eliza Barr

A Kogarah man was caught with capsicum spray, a razor blade, and cannabis outside a police station while being wanted for threatening to kill somebody, a court has heard.

Christopher Laubham, 34, faced Sutherland Local Court after he pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon, having a knife in a public place, and possessing a prohibited drug.

It comes after Laubham was spotted by officers across the street from Kogarah Police Station on July 24 “crouching down” by an electric bike.

Court documents state police “immediately” recognised Laubham as he had an outstanding warrant against him for using a carriage service to threaten to kill somebody.

However, upon his arrest, police discovered weapons and drugs in the 34-year-old’s pants.

Documents tendered to court state Laubham told police “I do have something sharp, people follow me, I have it for protection,” right before they found a nine centimetre push razor blade in his pocket.

Laubham had an outstanding warrant against him for using a carriage service to threaten to kill somebody. Picture: Eliza Barr

Police allegedly found a canister “filled with a substance similar to Oleoresin capsicum spray” in his other pocket, alongside 0.3g of cannabis in a resalable bag.

When questioned about the capsicum spray, he allegedly told police “I don’t know what it is, it’s spray. I was told to use it if someone is attacking me”.

In court on Thursday, the police prosecutor said Laubham posed a risk of endangering the community and committing further if released on bail.

But in his bail application, Laubham’s defence lawyer said his client should be afforded some leniency because the capsicum spray was intended for self-defence.

“The only argument I can make is that there is a scale of seriousness within categories of the Weapons Prohibition Act,” the lawyer said.

“Capsicum spray is not an object which is as dangerous as other objects.”

However, Magistrate Philip Stewart reminded the lawyer that possession of any object listed under the Weapons Prohibition Act – including capsicum spray – was illegal without a license or authorisation.

Magistrate Philip Stewart warned Laubham against breaching his bail conditions. Picture: Dylan Arvela

Mr Stewart said Laubham’s reason for having the spray “for protection” was also not a lawful excuse.

In handing down his decision, the magistrate granted Laubham bail but expressed concern about his alleged need for a knife and capsicum spray to defend himself.

He turned to him via audiovisual link, warning him: “you make sure you don’t breach bail or you will risk staying in custody”.

Mr Stewart noted “drugs have been an issue in the past” for Laubham, with reference to the seven prior charges listed against him including stalk and intimidate, larceny, and forging prescriptions for restricted substances.

Court documents state Laubham was also convicted of high-range drink driving in 2021, after he crashed his car into a church fence while five times over the limit.

He will reappear before court later this year for sentencing.