A Unanderra man has appeared in court after a stand-off in a suburban street that ended with police tasering him and taking him into custody.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
James Willingale, 37, was arrested on Wednesday night, two hours after police attended his home following a call to triple-0 reporting that a man was setting up fishing line in the front yard to trip officers.
When officers arrived at the McPhail Street home about 6.20pm, they found fishing line and cut it out of the way.
They also found several tools, including screwdrivers, chisels, hammers, garden shears, a saw and kitchen knives, at the front door.
Willingale allegedly told them to "f__k off" and said "I've armed myself, don't come in" after they knocked at the door.
The officers moved back and called for extra resources.
Willingale remained inside the home but police alleged that at one stage, he stuck his arm outside the window and began waving around a large knife.
He is also accused of throwing items around inside the home and smashing a window.
About 8.20pm police negotiators and the Tactical Operations Response Group attended.
Willingale opened the front door, allegedly holding a kitten in one hand but hiding his other hand from view.
Unable to see what he was holding in his other hand, officers tasered him.
He was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station and charged with common assault, using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, four counts of malicious damage, and four counts of contravening an apprehended violence order.
Some charges relate to earlier alleged offences against his mother, for which he is accused of punching holes in a wall, pouring water over her, smashing a lamp, and smashing a vacuum cleaner after she refused to give him money for drugs.
Willingale fronted Wollongong Local Court on Thursday, where he applied for bail.
Defence lawyer Emel Ozer told the court that Willingale had an intellectual disability and this placed him in a vulnerable position in custody.
Ms Ozer said he was also a National Disability Insurance Scheme participant and would not have the same supports available to him in custody as he would in the community.
Willingale had suffered mental health issues following the death of his father in 2015, she told the court, and had issues with drugs, for which he could receive support through the NDIS.
Ms Ozel said bail conditions could be put in place to protect Willingale's mother.
However, police prosecutor Sergeant Tanya Pavlin opposed Willingale's release on bail and said he had not shown good reason for his release.
She said he had a large number of domestic violence matters spanning a number of days.
Registrar Bruiceen Coulthard refused bail and adjourned Willingale's matter to January 10.
The Illawarra Mercury newsroom is funded by our readers. You can subscribe to support our journalism here.
Sign up for breaking news emails below...
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
