Albany man vandalises courthouse while waiting for bail on assault matter

A 31-year-old Albany man damaged the local courthouse after he became “claustrophobic” in the bail room. Joel Derek Coyne appeared in Albany Magistrates Court last Thursday, pleading guilty to one count of criminal damage. He appeared via video-link from Albany Regional Prison where he is serving a sentence of eight months for an unrelated assault. Police prosecutor Sergeant Dave Loverock told the court that on December 16 last year, Coyne was waiting in the bail room for his surety to sign off on his bail. Coyne had appeared in court earlier that day on the common assault matter, for which is now in jail. “The accused was waiting in the bail room, he became agitated and started yelling,” Sgt Loverock said. “The court staff tried to calm him down...he picked up a chair and has thrown it down.” Coyne caused a total of $970 worth of damage to the chair and the walls. He was escorted to a holding cell. Defence lawyer Bruno Illari told the court that 2021 had been a difficult year for Coyne after several “traumatic” incidents involving relatives. Mr Illari said Coyne claimed to be held in the bail room for six hours. “While trying to organise another surety he became distressed and claustrophobic,” Mr Illari said. “He just lost it. He lashed out at the room and was taken to cell to calm down.” Magistrate Dianne Scaddan told the court she acknowledged it had been a “difficult year”. “It’s well-known in the community the effects things have had,” she said. “It may have appeared to be long for you but it’s not appropriate to damage court property.” Coyne was fined $2000 and ordered to pay $970 in compensation to the Albany Justice Complex.