A man has been refused bail after he allegedly spat at a neighbour and swore at the man’s two children in Red Hill on Friday. Richard John Stevens, 33, was charged with trespass, assault and resisting a public official after police were called at about 4pm to resolve the dispute.
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The ACT Magistrates’ Court received evidence on Saturday the defendant yelled at two children, aged 11 and 8 years old, who were playing in the front yard of a duplex residence, before spitting in the direction of their father and threatening to throw a rock.
The court heard the defendant failed to follow the directions of police when they arrived. Prosecutor Diana Likeman told the court bail was opposed because of concerns the defendant would reoffend and approach the complainant. A policeman gave evidence the neighbourhood tension had been an ongoing issue.
“The [accused] lives directly next door to the complainant,” the constable said.
“The complainant explained to me it has been an ongoing issue – he had been aggressive and abusive to the children before, but it’s the first time it had escalated to violence.”
The constable told the court he understood the defendant had moved into the residence about two months earlier, however the accused’s solicitor said he had been there for a significantly longer period. Magistrate Beth Campbell refused bail on concerns the defendant could not control his behavior and posed a risk to the family next door.
“I accept his neighbours have been considerably distressed by it, and it’s more than that, they’re frightened,” she said.
“It seems he has a significant behavior problem … I wouldn’t think his [proposed undertaking] to not have contact with his neighbours is something he would abide by.
“These people would be in fear in their own home.” Stevens was ordered to remain in custody prior to a further listing on August 23.
