Carrying a dangerous weapon
Channel 10 News
Channel 10, Adelaide
6 May 1998
Reader - George Donikian… A magistrate who convicted a teenager for carrying mace has warned that Adelaide could experience a mini arms war in the streets.
She’s told Ten News dangerous weapons can’t be condoned, even for self protection.
REPORTER… Eighteen year old Patrick Spurr claims he was afraid of being attacked for his expensive shoes when he armed himself with a can of mace on a night out in Glenelg.
Magistrate Rosanne McInees convicted him of carrying an offensive weapon.
The Advertiser newspaper reported she’d told Spurr he was stupid and asking for trouble by wearing the shoes.
Ms McInees won’t comment on Spurr’s case but she says peole mustn’t take the law into their own hands.
ROSANNE McINNES - MAGISTRATE Parliament has obviously not wanted to see a mini arms war arise on the street, so Parliament has said people can’t carry weapons without a lawful excuse.
REPORTER… Ms McInenes has taken the rare step of speaking publicly to clarify her position.
She stresses her comments in court are confined to individuals and not meant to suggest the community can’t wear what they want.
McINNES… Everyone’s got the right to do what they like when they like, unless and until they break the law.
REPORTER… Police say they’re aware of several instances where people have been attacked by thieves wanting their expensive clothes and shoes, but officers warn anyone carrying mace for protection will be prosecuted.
McINNES… I would’ve thought that anyone ought to think long and hard before carrying a weapon because if they are attacked they may be overpowered. That weapon may then be used on them.
REPORTER… Stephanie Taylor, Ten News.
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