Bunbury man avoids jail after chasing another with sharpened hammer

A Bunbury father of six who threw a sharpened hammer at another man while chasing him up the street after a party has avoided prison.

Lester Williams, 28, last Monday appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to being armed in a way to cause fear.

In the late evening of November 10, Williams was walking along Davenport Way following the victim with whom he had been at a party that night.

Police said Williams had a plaster hammer with a sharpened claw concealed in the front of his pants, and soon started yelling at the victim, causing him fear.

When the man came closer to the victim, he proceeded to throw the hammer, hitting him in the lower back but causing no harm.

During an interview with police, Williams told authorities he was “not going to let no man get past me.”

Williams’ lawyer told the court the pair had been at a mutual friend’s house together earlier in the evening but were otherwise unknown to one another.

He further submitted the vicitim had allegedly assaulted Williams before leaving the party, causing Williams to retaliate.

It was also revealed Williams has a long history with drug abuse, his lawyer telling the court he is “motivated” to break his habits.

Magistrate Sandra De Maio, handed down a 12-month community based order for the incident, saying that despite having a record of drug charges, this was the first to show violent behaviour.

“Your anger just exploded and you’ve done something that’s not like you,” she said.

“Just because you’re angry doesn’t make it OK.”

A father of six, she encouraged Williams to stay on the right path for the sake of his family.

“You can’t be a dad from jail, you just can’t,” she said.

“You’re still a young man . . . I think you can sort it, I know you can.

“I need you to be strong, I need you to be brave . . . you can do it, I believe in you, Mr Williams.”