Judge warns of jail after threats made to police

wta161013lfcourt02.jpg Masterton District Court building, corner of Dixon and Park Streets, Masterton. The old door to the Law Courts is no longer used.

When police were called to a disturbance at a Masterton home, Reon Douglas Smith pretended to have a gun and aimed at the officers threatening to shoot.

The 31-year-old then resisted police as they arrested him and charged him with disorderly behaviour, obstruction and possession of cannabis.

This all happened within a fortnight of Smith being sentenced to 24 months' intensive supervision on similar charges.

Smith pleaded guilty to all charges when he appeared before Judge Tony Walsh in Masterton District Court last Thursday.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Garry Wilson told the court Smith had gone to his sister's home about 10.30pm on November 27 in an intoxicated state, when he knew he wasn't welcome there after drinking.

He became aggressive when his sister wouldn't let him in, Mr Wilson said.

"He demanded to be let in. He threatened to smash the door down."

Police were called and when they arrived he pretended to have a gun aimed at police as he shouted at them, Mr Wilson said.

"He was intoxicated and belligerent to staff all night."

Searched while in custody, police found a half used tinnie of cannabis in his pocket.

Judge Walsh told Smith his behaviour wasn't acceptable.

"You were shouting and swearing. You pretended to hold a gun and shoot at police."

The judge told Smith the idea of intensive supervision was to give him the opportunity to address his alcohol and drug problems which often led to his being before the court.

"The purpose was to give you a chance.

"You said you were motivated to do that. It's disappointing to see in a few days, you were in trouble. That must tell you something Mr Smith.

"If you drink you inevitably get into trouble. I want you to benefit from this."

If Smith appeared before the court on similar charges he could be jailed, Judge Walsh warned him.

"The court will take the view you need to be locked up ... if you drink you will end up in custody," he said.

"I do want you to succeed. There is only so much we can do.

"You have to help yourself."

He sentenced Smith to 12 months' suspended sentence on the disorderly behaviour and possession of cannabis charges and ordered he pay $130 court costs on the resisting police charge.