Man who smashed letterbox, threw rocks at car, cops community work

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Liam Murdock told the court Willis and the victim — a man he had known for about three years — had an argument over the phone on December 12, 2019. It was heard Willis threatened to attend the man’s Orrvale property, and did so about 10pm.

The court heard Willis drove past the house beeping his horn before doing a U-turn and returning. The victim called the police and could hear a banging coming from the front of his house, where he saw the accused hitting his front gate with a large stick.

Sen Constable Murdock said Willis swore at the victim and said, “I’m gonna smack your head in.” The victim told him he had called police.

The court heard Willis then picked up rocks from the driveway and threw them at the victim’s car, chipping the paintwork and damaging the windscreen. The victim also saw his letterbox was on the ground.

Interviewed after his arrest, Willis made full admissions to his offending, stating he “just wanted to scare him”.

He added, “I’m a bit p***** off I threw the stones at the car because that’s going to get me in the s***”.

Willis also admitted he drove while he was suspended from doing so on June 9, 2019.

Magistrate Peter Dunn sentenced Willis to a 12-month corrections order comprising 100 hours of community work.

“He’s gone crazy here ... whatever happened to sticks and stones?” Mr Dunn said.

Willis was also ordered to pay $3680 in compensation to the victim.