Andrew John Schmidt sentenced after threatening Police Minister Dan Purdie

A man’s personal opinions over the Covid-19 vaccine mandates spurred him to call Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie’s office and make ‘sexualised threats’ for almost a whole year before threatening to kill the MP.

Dan Purdie LNP candidate for Ninderry during a media conference at Hotel Namba, Nambour. Picture: Liam Kidston

A court has heard how a former banking and commercial real estate veteran called an electorate member’s office more than 30 times this year, making “sexualised” and “extreme” threats.

Ninderry man Andrew John Schmidt, 56, pleaded guilty in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on November 29 to one count of using a carriage service to menace harass or cause offence, and one count of using a carriage service to make a threat to kill, just one day after he was arrested following a search warrant.

Police prosecutor Brendan Newman told the court Schmidt called Police Minister Dan Purdie’s office at Coolum Beach 33 times since the start of the year until November 15.

The calls referenced Covid-19 vaccines and his adult daughter, who Schmidt said had been in tears to him over the phone.

Sergeant Newman read out the statements made to the office staff members during the calls, which included a threat to shove “hundreds” of needles up Mr Purdie’s “arse.”

He falsely claimed he and Mr Purdie “just had an orgasm” and said Mr Purdie’s “clitoris would go up his arse,” the court was told.

Schmidt also addressed himself as Santa Claus “from the liberal” on one occasion, and said “f--- off with your booster cancers”.

Sergeant Newman said Schmidt eventually told the staff, directed at Mr Purdie, “I’m going to kill you, mate” and thereby bringing about his second charge.

The court heard he appeared intoxicated and was slurring his words during many of the calls.

Duty lawyer Madalyn Olivero said Schmidt only recalled eight of the calls made when police questioned him.

He felt “saddened and disappointed in himself” when he learned that his parents became aware of his offending.

She told the court Schmidt was a single father of two adult children and there had been disagreements in his family over Covid-19 protocols.

Ms Olivero said the offences stemmed from his attempts to protect his family but resulted in criminal behaviours.

She told the court his daughter had called him in 2022 concerned about losing her job if she did not get vaccinated.

The court heard Schmidt worked in the banking industry for the majority of his life and in commercial real estate for 20 years.

He has worked as a property evaluator and most recently as a shearer.

Currently unemployed, he has been accepted to study a Masters degree in cryptology.

Ms Olivero said her client was not a drug user and did not drink alcohol in “excess” but his consumption had increased over the years due to stress.

Schmidt’s offending had become a “wake up call” for him.

Magistrate Rod Madsen said that Schmidt had said “some bizarre things” referencing anatomy.

He told the court the staff that received the calls became increasingly fearful over their personal safety.

Mr Madsen sentenced him to 14 months’ imprisonment with immediate release on a good behaviour bond of $6000 in total for three years.

Mr Purdie said he was glad it had been finalised.

“I am relieved this matter has been dealt with quickly after the swift work of the Queensland Police and the Queensland courts system,” he said.

“While I have chosen a career in the public eye, my staff within my electorate office have not. No one should be subjected to harassment, and serious threats of violence, particularly at their workplace.

“I’m pleased to put this matter behind us and move on with my role with helping make Queensland safer for all.”

Originally published as Andrew John Schmidt sentenced after threatening Police Minister Dan Purdie