A Darlington Point man has been convicted of hindering police, after interfering with an investigation and giving a false name to officers two days after Christmas last year.
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David McGregor Preuss, 46, pleaded guilty to the two charges, the first being resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty and the second giving a false name.
He was convicted of both charges, and given a community corrections order for 12 months by Magistrate Joy Boulos with the stipulation he continue to engage with his mental health plan for the first charge, with no penalty for the second.
The incident occurred when two police officers were investigating a man found doing a large burnout on Uri Street, Darlington Point.
When they stopped the man and tried to speak to him, the shirtless Preuss, who appeared to be "well affected by alcohol", came up to them and said: "Are you big? Are you a big guy? If you're not scared of me I'll (expletive) you up."
He gave police a false name, and when asked where he lived, Preuss said "none of your business and go (expletive) yourself (expletive)."
Preuss continued to verbally harass police, standing in his front yard and trying to entice the officers over as they continued interviewing the driver.
At one point, Preuss walked quickly to the police as they were putting the driver into the back, raising his hand saying "hi five, hi five" to the back of one officer near his head.
The second officer stepped forward to restrain Preuss, fearing he was about to strike. He was then told to leave and retreated to his yard where he continued his taunts.
When police returned to question Preuss on December 29, he expressed his remorse for his actions and apologised, admitting he was dealing with a number of personal and medical issues.
When sentencing, Magistrate Boulos took into account these "extensive" issues, his sincere remorse and his efforts at rehabilitation, however made comment on the "extraordinary set of facts."
"Police don't have time to deal with this kind of behaviour," she said.
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