WA man sentenced for online threat to Federal MP
A 47-year-old West Australian man has been fined $5000 for making a threatening and menacing comment online towards a Federal Member of Parliament.
The man was sentenced yesterday (14 February 2022) after pleading guilty in the Perth Magistrates Court to using a carriage service to menace, contrary to section 474.17 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), at the start of a planned two-day trial.
The Australian Federal Police charged the man after investigating a comment posted in 2020 on the Federal politician’s official Facebook account.
The Marangaroo man likened the politician to a terrorist supporter and predicted they would be murdered.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) takes all reports regarding Australian High Office Holders (AHOHs) safety and security seriously, and assesses each matter against information provided.
AFP Commander Western Command John Tanti said no one should be harassed or threatened, online or in person, and the AFP would take action when any offences were identified.
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