Dwayne Robert Farrell: Geraldton man uses boomerang to hit mother, threatens to kill stepfather with it

A Geraldton man who used a boomerang to assault his mother and threatened to kill his stepfather with it, has been ordered to a community-based order to address his treatment needs. Dwayne Robert Farrell, 39, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday for sentencing, after being remanded in Hakea Prison for about six months. He pleaded guilty to common assault, two counts of aggravated common assault, three counts of disorderly behaviour in police lockup, two counts of aggravated made threats to do an act, made threats to do an act, breach protective bail, breach family violence restraining order, possess cannabis, and obstruct police. The court was told on September 21 last year, Farrell assaulted his mother and other family members with a boomerang. He also threatened to kill his stepfather with the weapon. A psychological report provided to the court found Farrell has a substance-induced mood disorder and potentially bipolar disorder, but drug use played a big part in the offending. Farrell’s defence lawyer said it was becoming quite obvious he needed to be medicated for bipolar, and his mental health would decline whether he be out in the community or in prison if he didn’t receive treatment. Magistrate Kelly Thompson asked if Farrell had a plan in place to “stay off the drugs”, to which he replied he did. “I’m coming up to 40 now, I know I can’t keep coming into prison and that,” Farrell said. Ms Thompson took into account his six months served in custody and his improved mental state since the incident. Farrell received a 12-month intensive supervision order and a fine of $500. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)