A man released from a two-year prison sentence was back in custody only one week later due to experiencing what his lawyer told the court was a “psychotic episode”.
Rhys Holman Garlett pleaded guilty to obstructing police officers when he appeared in the Mandurah Courthouse via video link from Hakea prison, on January 16.
Prosecuting sergeant Sean Discombe told the court that Garlett refused to drop a 40 centimetre wooden stake when he was approached by two police in the Mandurah Hungry Jack’s car park on November 7, 2017.
Police attempted to arrest Garlett and he resisted, which led to a scuffle on the ground and one officer injuring his knee, Discombe said.
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Defense lawyer Margaret McNulty told the court that Garlett had taken methamphetamine before the incident and was experiencing a psychotic episode.
Ms McNulty said he also suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after his mother was murdered in 2015.
Magistrate Anne Longden said things seemed to had “gone awry very quickly” after he was released from prison.
Garlett was fined $500 with $190.85 costs.