A New South Wales man, 53, has been sentenced this week (7 September 2022) after pleading guilty to threatening to cause serious harm to an AFP officer who was protecting a Commonwealth parliamentarian.
The man was sentenced to a seven-month intensive corrections order (ICO) with strict conditions by the Tamworth Local Court, over a roadside incident that took place in north-east NSW in April (2022).
It was revealed in court that the man was aggressive, verbally threatened an AFP officer, and adopted a fighting stance after the officer stopped him from approaching the parliamentarian.
Officers from AFP Operation Wilmot, with the assistance of the NSW Police Force, charged the man.
Detective Superintendent Craig Bellis said the arrest should send a strong message that the AFP and its partners will prosecute anyone who breaks the law by harassing, menacing or threatening parliamentarians and those who work with them.
“The AFP supports freedom of speech, but we will not tolerate criminal behavior – People should be able to do their jobs safely,” Det-Supt Bellis said.
Operation Wilmot was established to help ensure the security of high-office holders and parliamentarians during the 2022 Federal election.
