A man has been sentenced for threatening to “flatten” a council ranger during a heated dispute regarding an unleashed dog. The incident, which occurred on September 5, 2024, led to legal repercussions for 23-year-old Logan Freebody of Ross Place, Kelso. He appeared in Bathurst Local Court on November 26, where he pleaded guilty to charges of stalking and intimidation.
During the court hearing, Magistrate Gemma Slack-Smith condemned Freebody’s behavior as “pathetic,” emphasizing the seriousness of his actions. She warned that failure to manage his anger could lead to a more severe legal outcome, stating, “the court’s hands will be tied” if he does not address his issues.
The confrontation began around 12:30 PM when the council ranger noticed a dog roaming without a leash on Lambert Street in Bathurst. Upon approaching the owner to request that the dog be put on a lead, the owner responded with profanity. The situation escalated when Freebody confronted the ranger, instructing him not to intimidate the woman and using aggressive language, including, “get off my f–king lawn you good for nothing old c-t.”
As tensions rose, the ranger feared for his safety and stepped back. Freebody continued to threaten him, saying, “don’t touch me or I’ll flatten you out.” Following the incident, the ranger retreated to his vehicle. Police later identified Freebody through a witness photograph and charged him with intimidation.
In court, Freebody’s solicitor, James Taylor, highlighted his client’s anger management problems, stating that he had completed a relevant program and recognized that his behavior was “not acceptable.” However, police prosecutor Sergeant Cameron Ferrier countered this defense, arguing that Freebody’s threats were significant and not provoked by the ranger’s actions.
Ultimately, Magistrate Slack-Smith sided with the prosecution, placing Freebody under a community correction order for two years. This ruling aims to address his anger issues while ensuring the safety of community members, especially those in public service roles.
