A former bikie gang associate will serve at least two more months in jail for showing a police officer his middle finger and pretending to shoot him in court.
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A judgment published on Thursday said Cameron Owen Sharp, 23, was facing an aggravated burglary charge when he threatened the constable who arrested him.
He later pleaded guilty to the burglary charge, which related to a Watson home invasion.
Court documents said Sharp was speaking to his solicitor when he saw the police officer sitting in the back of a courtroom next to a prosecutor on May 8, 2018.
The judgment said Sharp "made a gesture with [his] right middle finger" in the constable's direction - according to the court documents, the constable ignored it.
He then "made a gesture simulating a firearm" towards the constable. The documents said he felt threatened and shocked.
Sharp later pleaded guilty to one charge of threatening or intimidating a witness.
In sentencing, Justice John Burns said his crime was aggravated by the fact it was committed in a courtroom against a police officer.
"I take into account, however, that your actions were spontaneous and were not the subject of any significant premeditation," Justice Burns said.
"I also take into account that as a person who was in custody at that time, there was no prospect of you carrying out any threat which may have been perceived by the victim."
In the judgment, Justice Burns noted Sharp was already serving a jail term for the aggravated burglary offence.
He sentenced him to another four months in prison, and extended his existing non-parole period by two months to March 8, 2021.
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
