Kerrie Tawse: Ringwood woman pulls imitation firearm on police
A woman called police because she was lonely and wanted someone to talk to. But when they turned up to her Ringwood home she panicked and you won’t believe what she did next.
West
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A woman who pointed an imitation gun at police is lucky to have lived to tell the tale, a court has heard.
Kerrie Tawse, 54, of Ringwood, made an emergency call to police about 11pm on January 9 because she felt lonely while sitting home alone.
But when police turned up, Ms Tawse’s lawyer Tom Woodward told Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on October 21 his client forgot she’d called the cops and was not expecting them.
Mr Woodward told the court his client had an intellectual disability as well as a drinking problem and reacted badly to the surprise visit by two uniformed officers.
“She instructs she sadly called police because she wanted someone to talk to,” Mr Woodward said.
“She did pull out the toy pistol and was waving it around at police.”
Court documents revealed the two female officers initially panicked and ducked for cover when Tawse pointed the gun at them and pulled the trigger.
She then lashed out at police when they attempted to arrest her.
Magistrate Marc Sargent said it was lucky the two officers did not pull their own guns.
“You’re quite fortunate indeed that the police officers gave you effectively the benefit of the doubt and held back from taking protective measures for themselves,” Mr Sargent said.
Tawse pleaded guilty to intimidating police and resist arrest.
She also pleaded guilty to outstanding charges of property damage and committing an indictable offence on bail.
Mr Sargent said it was just as well Tawse had since reduced her drinking in an effort to stay out of trouble.
He ordered she complete a one-year good behaviour bond and pay restitution for the criminal damage.
“Now you’re keeping off the alcohol things have made a dramatic turn for the better,” Mr Sargent said.
“Give it your best shot anyway, pardon the slight reference to a firearm.”
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