Rhys Junior Huirau Twomey: Jail term for Narrogin man who threw rock at shire vehicle, hitting staff member

A Narrogin man who smashed a window of a moving Shire of Narrogin vehicle and started an argument in his court appearance has been jailed. Rhys Junior Huirau Twomey, 57, appeared in Narrogin Magistrates Court on Tuesday, July 8, via video link from Casuarina Prison, where he pleaded guilty to criminal damage and assaulting a public officer. On June 10 about 1.30pm, Twomey charged at a Shire of Narrogin vehicle on Fairway Street, holding large rocks in both hands before throwing one at the moving car, causing the driver to swerve. The rock smashed the passenger window and struck one of the three shire staff in the ankle, causing immediate pain and minor injuries. Narrogin police were notified and arrested Twomey the following day. He has been held in custody since. Prosecutor Sgt Natalie Parkyn told the court if the vehicle had been driving faster than its reported 10km/h speed, the outcome would have been “absolutely catastrophic.” The self-represented Twomey said he was forced to plead guilty as he “had no finance for a lawyer to check the facts” and could not defend himself. Magistrate Erin O’Donnell gave Twomey the opportunity to dispute any facts read to the court by the prosecution, but he used the time to continue to complain about not having legal representation. Ms O’Donnell told Twomey he had started an argument in every appearance. He continued interrupting Ms O’Donnell, who repeatedly told him to “just be quiet,” “listen to me” and “shush,” to the point where she muted the video call. “No lawyer in town could say you’re justified in throwing a rock through a moving vehicle,” Ms O’Donnell said. “It is pointless to carry on the way you do.” Twomey had stood up and tried to leave the room before standing and facing the locked door for the rest of his appearance. Ms O’Donnell sentenced Twomey to eight months in prison and backdated the term to June 11.