No Remorse for Victims

IN the court documents detailing Mr Johnson’s alleged offences it was stated he had shown no remorse to the victims of yesterday’s rampage down the New England Highway.

He was also charged with three counts of damage property while at the Singleton police station yesterday afternoon.

The address of Mr Johnson was listed in the court documents as being Macquarie Fields, however a consideration for the refusal of bail was that he had no fixed abode.

Mr Johnson is also known to residents of Quirindi as being a local.

And while Mr Johnson has said he is self-employed on his Facebook page, another reason for refusal of bail was that he is unemployed.

Mr Johnson has also recently failed to attend court and warrants were issued for his arrest to be brought before the court.

Other reasons for the refusal of bail include that the accused allegedly:

• displayed a blatant disregard for the safety of the general public and police officers;
• caused serious damage to vehicles, a building and community disruption with major traffic diversions being put in place;
• caused serious injuries to people;
• the large number of independent witnesses and
• the likely addition of further serious charges being laid.

In the court documents, Police allege the following:

Mr Johnson stole the Freight Liner truck at Murrurundi between 7:25am and 7:35am.

At 7:51am when travelling through Scone he failed to stop for police, “…drove recklessly and at a speed dangerous and in a manner dangerous to others” and used the truck as an offensive weapon to prevent apprehension.

In Muswellbrook between 7:25am and 8:52am he again used the truck as an “offensive weapon with intent to prevent the lawful apprehension of himself.”

In Singleton between 8:43 and 8:45 he drove in a manner dangerous and failed to stop for police in pursuit.

Between 8:50am and 8:52am Mr Johnson assaulted Senior Constable Glen Donnelly, Sergeant Jamie Kain and Senior Constable Simon Harmer in execution of their duty.

Police have also charged Mr Johnson with three counts of damage property at the Singleton police station between 5pm and 6:10pm, including two in the holding cell and intentionally damaging a chair.

The matter will go before Newcastle court on December 3 and a mental health assessment has been ordered.

Related stories:

• Johnson Adjourned to Newcastle;
• Highway Open – Driver in Court Today’
• Police Chase Update;
• Patient Update: Police Chase;
• Police Chase Ends;
• Breaking: Police have confirmed a truck was stolen in Murrurundi this morning, there was a pursuit south of Aberdeen, the truck is headed towards Muswellbrook. The New England highway is closed in both directions at Bridgeman Road Singleton. We have had reports of a road block at the Maison Dieu turn off. There are more reports of a loud bang and smoke at that location. More information to come.

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