Darrien Leadbetter in court for smashing Telstra phone box
After getting into an argument at the front of a Qld supermarket, this 18-year-old started swinging his scooter at a Telstra phone box. His reasoning was even more bizarre than the act.
Police & Courts
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When police asked Darrien Joseph Leadbetter why he smashed a Telstra phone box with his scooter, he said he was angry and the phone box had “looked at him funny”.
The 18-year-old pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to wilful damage and contravening a police requirement.
The court heard police were called to a disturbance at Sun Valley Shopping Centre, Kin Kora, on December 7.
“Police attended and located (Leadbetter) and several witnesses near a phone box located on Sun Valley Road,” police prosecutor Senior Constable Jessica McLaren said.
“Witnesses told police that (Leadbetter) was involved in a verbal altercation with another male at the front of the supermarket before yelling and swearing and striking items with his scooter.”
Snr Const. McLaren said a witness approached Leadbetter to try to stop him from damaging property.
“(Leadbetter) walked away to a nearby tree, asking if he could damage that instead.
“The witness told (Leadbetter) not to damage the tree.”
The prosecutor said Leadbetter then walked through the carpark to the road where he was seen striking the phone box several times with his scooter, causing the glass side window to shatter and the rear advertising sign to break.
“He told police that he did strike the phone box with his scooter, saying he was angry and that the phone box had looked at him funny,” Snr Const. McLaren said.
Leadbetter had no criminal history and the prosecution did not seek restitution for the damage caused.
Solicitor Rio Ramos said Leadbetter damaged the phone box out of frustration after getting into a fight with someone.
Ms Ramos said Leadbetter left school after Year 9 and he was not employed.
“He says he’s willing to do any work that’s available,” Ms Ramos said.
Magistrate Mary Buchanan placed Leadbetter on a six-month good behaviour order with a $400 recognisance.
No conviction was recorded.
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