Ethan Cameron Wynters Finch convicted after dramatic meltdown, arrest
A Northern Rivers man who smashed up a window, plates, electrical goods, pot plants and cutlery over a divorce was found by cops with two kitchen knives in his hands and covered in blood.
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A Northern Rivers man who smashed up his partner’s house was found by police with two kitchen knives in both hands and covered in blood before he fled into bushland, prompting a dramatic police lockdown and search.
Ethan Cameron Wynters Finch, 39, appeared before Magistrate Michael Dakin in Lismore Local Court on Thursday.
He pleaded guilty to destroy or damage property less than $2000, intimidate police officer in execution of duty, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and possess prohibited drug.
Documents tendered to the court said neighbours called police about 3.50pm on January 16 when they heard Finch yelling loudly and smashing objects.
Police attended a Dunoon address and saw items strewn across the road at the front of the home and saw a figure run down the side of the house to the rear before they could approach, facts state.
More personal items were strewn across the front veranda and police saw blood splattered on the front steps.
Announcing their presence, police entered the house, switched on their body-worn cameras and were told by two occupants Finch “did all the damage”.
Outside, a neighbour told police Finch was walking through backyards towards James St, but returned home a short time later, facts state.
Police tried to talk Finch but he immediately fled from them into the back yard where they observed him holding kitchen knives in each hand and he was covered in blood.
Police attempted to negotiate with Finch to drop the knives but were told: “If you pursue me its not gonna be good for you or me”.
“I tell you now you’re either gonna f——king shoot me c — ts, f — k it I’m gonna stab you so please just leave me alone.”
Finch spoke with police for about 14 minutes before dropping the knives on the fence line then decamping through a nearby bushland paddock.
Police observed him being in a “heightened” state and learned his current divorce had triggered the outburst.
A lockdown order was issued to the property in the paddock and a perimeter was made around the thick bushland not knowing if Finch was still armed, facts state.
Specialist police, dog squad and a drone along with tactical and negotiators were deployed, with the dog squad locating Finch by a creek bed in the bushland. He was handcuffed and searched for weapons.
Police found a tub in his pocket and Finch said: “It’s a bit of weed c — t”, facts state.
He was removed from the bushland and treated by paramedics, remaining in a heightened state despite being sedated, facts continue.
Mr Dakin convicted Finch and sentenced him to a 12 month community correction order for damaging property, and a two year community correction order for police intimidation, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention and fined him $300 for possession of 7g cannabis.
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