UPDATE: A man armed with a machete crashed his motorbike in front of police in Tamworth, prompting a magistrate to urgently warn him to “stay off the road.” Cameron Shane Jordan, 22, faced multiple charges after the incident on October 18, 2023, which resulted in minor injuries but raised serious public safety concerns.
During a video appearance at Tamworth Local Court, Jordan was confronted by Magistrate Julie Soars, who emphasized the risks his reckless behavior poses to the community. She stated, “Don’t put lives at risk … you need to stay off the road and work towards getting your licence back.”
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 AM when police were conducting a traffic stop at the intersection of Matheson and Veness Streets. Jordan sped past them without a helmet, lost control, and collided with a parked vehicle. Fortunately, he escaped with only minor injuries.
Upon his arrest, police discovered a machete hidden in his pants, along with 5.27 grams of cannabis and 1.70 grams of methylamphetamine. Jordan claimed the clothes he wore were not his and insisted he purchased the bike from a friend without receipts.
Jordan faced charges including possessing a knife in a public place, driving without a valid licence, and having prohibited drugs. He had previously pleaded guilty to these charges in October. His legal representation, solicitor Louis Gasparinatos, argued that the individual offences did not warrant a prison sentence but acknowledged a concerning pattern of behavior.
Magistrate Soars ultimately sentenced Jordan to a 12-month Community Correction Order, allowing him to serve his sentence under supervision rather than in custody. She also disqualified him from holding a licence for one month and stressed the importance of staying out of trouble.
The magistrate’s remarks highlight the serious implications of Jordan’s actions, which not only endangered himself but also others on the road. “It’s in your hands now to keep out of custody,” she warned, wishing him luck in avoiding further legal issues.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by reckless behavior and the judicial system’s commitment to ensuring public safety. Authorities are now monitoring Jordan’s compliance with the court’s orders as he works towards rehabilitation.
As the situation develops, community members are urged to remain vigilant regarding road safety and to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.
