Hobart court: Timothy Brian Strange fined for swearing at police, keeping flick knife in car

A “belligerent” Hobart dad furious at police for spiking the tyres of a relative’s car told them they would be footing the bill – but it was what they found after that sparked a magistrate’s concern.

Timothy Brian Strange was sentenced in Hobart Magistrates Court for using abusive language to a police officer, and for possessing a dangerous article (spring loaded flick knife) in a public place.

A “belligerent” Hobart dad furious at police for spiking the tyres of a relative’s car told them they would be footing the bill – but it was what they found after that sparked concern from a magistrate.

After police spiked all four of the car’s tyres at about 10:30pm on March 20, at Risdon Timothy Brian Strange, 41, immediately went to speak with the sergeant on scene.

Hobart Magistrates Court on Thursday was told that after seeing the deflated tyres, a “belligerent” Strange told the officer “you c---s will [foot] the bill”.

“He was arrested for using abusive language,” prosecution told Magistrate Michael Daly.

Once in handcuffs, Strange’s “demeanour changed” and he told officers there was a spring-loaded flick knife and extendible baton in the car.

“When asked why he had the [items] he said ‘ … I don’t have [a reason] and … I have had that knife for 15 years’,” the prosecutor said.

Timothy Brian Strange, 41.

Strange pleaded guilty to a count each of use abusive language to police officer and unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place.

His lawyer told the court that Strange – who is on a disability pension – that he became remorseful and apologetic to police after his arrest.

In sentencing, Mr Daly told Strange that the courts were “generally” concerned with the number of knives in the community.

“ … And weapons like yours that you accept you had for no good reason,” Mr Daly said.

Strange told the court that he had simply forgotten the knife was in the car, and that he used the knife for fishing – an explanation that did not convince Mr Daly.

“I would take some convincing that a spring-loaded flick knife [would be used for fishing] … that is a fanciful thing to say, actually,” he said.
Strange was convicted and fined $500.