‘Nunchucks’ wielded by agitated man in Hannah Beazley’s office may have been drumsticks, court told
Summary
A man named John Lawrence Smart was charged after he entered the office of Western Australian MP Hannah Beazley holding two wooden sticks tied together. The court heard that these sticks could have been musical drumsticks rather than a weapon called nunchucks. Smart, who has a history of schizophrenia, was ordered to stay in custody for medical assessment.Key Facts
- John Lawrence Smart entered the office of MP Hannah Beazley in Victoria Park, Perth, while agitated.
- Police accused him of threatening behavior while holding “improvised nunchucks” made from wooden sticks.
- Smart said he was holding percussion sticks (drumsticks), not weapons, and has been a musician for 20 years.
- He was charged with being armed in a way that may cause fear, making unlawful threats, and possessing cannabis.
- Smart has a history of schizophrenia and delusions and has been hospitalized involuntarily.
- No one was injured in the incident, and two staff members were present.
- The WA premier and others called for better security for politicians and staff following this and similar incidents.
- Smart remains in custody for further medical checks and will return to court next week.
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