Man Charged After Threatening Australian Politician's Staff With Nunchucks

A man accused of threatening an Australian MP's office with nunchucks told a court the items were drumsticks.

A Perth court heard charges against 56-year-old John Lawrence Smart for allegedly intimidating staff at Western Australian lawmaker Hannah Beazley's electorate office. Police claim Smart brandished improvised nunchucks, but his defence told the magistrate the item may have been drumsticks. The incident has intensified existing concerns over the safety of female politicians across Australia.

• The defenceSmart's lawyer raised concerns about his client's mental health and claimed the alleged weapon was simply a musical instrument.
• Court proceedingsThe accused was not required to enter a formal plea during his appearance in the Western Australia magistrates court.
• The allegationPolice charged Smart with being armed in a manner that could cause fear after he allegedly disturbed workers in Victoria Park.

What's new · 15h agoJohn Lawrence Smart faced court, where his lawyer argued the alleged weapon was actually drumsticks and raised mental health concerns.