Tylem Jennings: Bail refused for allegedly disturbing Geraldton business and injuring tattoo artist with glass

A Meekatharra man has been refused bail after accusations he disturbed a local tattoo business, leading to an employee being sprayed in the face with glass. Tylem Jennings, 20, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court from Greenough Regional Prison on Thursday, charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm or prevent arrest wounded or caused grievous bodily harm and obstructing police officers. On Friday, May 31 about 3.20pm, prosecuting Sgt Paul Burkinshaw said Mr Jennings entered Abandoned Art, a tattoo shop on Marine Terrace, and became disruptive. The court was told an employee pushed the accused out of the store and he yelled threats and abuse from outside. Sgt Burkinshaw said Mr Jennings fell over and smashed a glass bottle, which he allegedly picked up and threw towards the employee. The bottle smashed into the window, causing glass shards to spray on the man. He received a 2cm laceration to his neck and cuts to his face. Mr Jennings is yet to enter pleas. In seeking bail, defence counsel Brad Romero said the accused was a relative of Cleveland Dodd — the first child to die in juvenile detention in Western Australia — and was having a hard time dealing with his death while remanded in custody. “He is also diagnosed with anxiety and it is putting significant strain on his mental health being locked up there,” he said. The court was told the man was diagnosed with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder as a child. Magistrate Matthew Walton said the allegations described a “random attack”, and community safety was front of mind. “I’ve got grave concerns about the safety of others in the community,” he said. Bail was refused. The 20-year-old’s next court date is Thursday, August 29.