Advice on 'pet care' sparks violent assault
WHEN strangers lectured a Warwick teenager on responsible pet ownership, he became so irate he spat at the women and damaged their vehicle.
Carl Anthony Browne became agitated when the women approached him at his home on November 24 and told him they had seen his chihuahua running on the road.
The situation spiralled out of control when the women suggested he take better care of his pet.
The 17-year-old screamed at the women and when they returned to their car, he threw a coffee jar filled with screws at it, smashing one of the lights.
He then walked to the car and spat in the window.
Defence solicitor Daniel Habermann last week told the Warwick Magistrates Court his client was on edge that day, as he had been attacked in his home the night before and had not slept.
"He was kicked in the head and punched and was feeling very guarded and vigilant," he said.
Mr Habermann added that Browne said the women had made derogatory comments to him and encouraged him to "get a job".
About two weeks later, police searched Browne's property and found a bong in his home.
Browne last week pleaded guilty to public nuisance and possessing drug utensils.
Magistrate Graham Lee fined the teenager $1000 but did not record a conviction against him.
