Geraldton man Mervyn Wayne Curley given chance to change after drug-fuelled crime spree

A Geraldton man who went on an alcohol and drug-fuelled crime spree last year following several family tragedies has been given a chance to turn his life around. Mervyn Wayne Curley on Monday appeared in the Geraldton Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to several criminal damage and assault charges. The court was told Curley started his hour-long offending on August 4 at 5.30pm when he became “aggressive” and “obstructive” toward staff at a Karloo service station. He was told to leave the premises but instead pushed several counter displays and a staff member’s laptop on the floor, with damage totalling $800. Less than 30 minutes later, he was spotted damaging a fence out the front of a Rangeway property. When the owner came out to confront him, Curley started pushing and punching their chest. The court was told the victim sustained bruising and swelling during the altercation. Finally, the owner of a Webberton business spotted Curley in a shed which he had just closed and locked for the day. Curley approached the man while he was watching from his car, and grabbed him by the shirt. The court was told the driver felt threatened by Curley and left the premises. Lawyer Tim Hampson said Curley accepted “full responsibility” for his actions and “deeply regretted” the harm he caused to the victims. He said Curley had consumed a “cocktail of drugs” and alcohol before the offending, saying his substance abuse had started as a way of coping with several family tragedies. Curley accepted the charges were serious, but requested he be spared further time in custody to allow him to care for his sick mother. The court was also told Curley was eager to set a positive example for his children and “genuinely wants to make positive changes” in his life. Magistrate Angus Hockton said he was prepared to give Curley the opportunity change, and placed him on a pre-sentence order to allow the man to access counselling and support services in the community. The order will end in November, when Curley could face a term of imprisonment if he does not comply with conditions.