Gnowangerup man who threatened kids, tormented town, described as a “general menace” by his lawyer, is fined

A Gnowangerup man who threatened children at a public park and screamed at IGA staff while drunk has been described as a “general menace” in court by his lawyer and dealt a fine. Rohan Hodgson was sentenced in Katanning Magistrates Court on January 20 for two counts of disorderly behaviour in public. The 38-year-old had attended court in the morning but had left before his matter had been called. His lawyer Georgia Herford told the court that her client had indicated a guilty plea after a discussion that morning, and asked if they can proceed without Hodgson as he has legal representation, which magistrate Rosemarie Myers accepted. Police prosecutor Sgt Warrick Walker said that between August 21 and October 2 Hodgson had terrorised the Gnowangerup community with multiple escalating disorderly offences. Sgt Walker said that Hodgson was seen spitting in people’s yards, being publicly drunk, and directing loud and intimidating language to children and community members. He said during this time Hodgson had entered Gnowangerup IGA with his eight-year-old son and was so intoxicated he struggled to stand. Sgt Walter said when the staff refused to serve Hodgson he began swearing, threatening to throw things and verbally abusing them. Sgt Walker said Hodgson’s young son was crying and apologising for his father’s behaviour while ushering him out of the store. He said on another occasion Hodgson was screaming at children playing at a public park, he told the kids “f... off you little c...., I’ll smash you, you little c....”. Sgt Walker said on September 23, witnesses reported Hodgson shouting and swearing while using a public phone box at about 6pm, before smashing the handpiece against the booth multiple times. Hodgson was also seen carrying alcohol at this time, Sgt Walker added. Ms Herford said her client accepts the facts and described him as being “a general menace” to the Gnowangerup community. She said he was embarrassed and is now seeking help regarding his issues with alcohol and behaviour. Hodgson was fined $750 plus $308.80 in costs.