Ashley Christian Windus faces Toowoomba Magistrates Court for weapon, stealing offences

After police discovered a small arsenal of knives in an Upper Lockyer man’s car his excuse failed to get him off the hook for weapons charges.

When stopped by police for a licence check an Upper Lockyer man claimed he had possession of multiple knives, including a Category M knife that required a permit, for work purposes to break down pallets.

Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told that about 11.30pm on November 15 police stopped a vehicle in Toowoomba, and detained Ashley Christian Windus for a search.

Police prosecutor Cameron Francis said police found a folding knife and a Category M knife in his trousers, a 15cm fixed blade knife in the glove box and a punch dagger disguised as a key in the rear of the vehicle.

A water pipe and small quantity of cannabis was also found during the search.

“When police asked why he had so many knives, he stated they were used for work as a storeman,” Mr Francis said.

“When asked about the fixed blade knife he said he had it for work and he used it to break open pallets. Police observed the knife looked like it had never been used in such as way.”

The court was also told that in May last year Windus attempted to steal a gel blaster pistol from a Ruthven Street store, but was confronted by staff shortly after leaving.

On November 23 Windus attempted to steal $24 of bandages and medical equipment from Chemist Warehouse, but again was foiled when confronted by staff.

In court on Thursday Windus pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place, unlawful possession of weapons (Category M), possessing dangerous drugs and two counts of stealing.

Windus’ solicitor Alysha Jacobsen said her client was a 21-year-old with a variety of mental health conditions including a bipolar diagnosis, OCD and anxiety.

Ms Jacobsen said Windus was a knife collector, and that he had recently welcomed his first child with his partner.

Magistrate Howard Osborne convicted Windus and sentenced him to two months jail, suspended for 12 months. He was also fined $500.