Man who brought machete and Darth Vader costume into courthouse feels full force of the law

A 32-year-old man who arrived at a courthouse with a machete and Darth Vader costume “wanting the attention of police” has been sent to prison. Joel William Zessin appeared in Albany Magistrate’s Court last Thursday where he pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon at Rockingham Magistrate’s Court. Zessin, who was living at backpacker’s accommodation in Albany, was jailed for nine months after he carried a machete on his belt into the Rockingham courthouse. Police prosecutor Sergeant Peter Yuswack told the court Zessin arrived at the complex on the morning of July 24 last year. “As he’s entered the accused was stopped by security and asked if he had anything metal on him,” Sgt Yuswack said. A black handled machete with a 12-inch blade was sheathed on his belt, Sgt Yuswack said. After Zessin was detained, he was also found to be in possession of a Darth Vader costume. Arrested and charged, his explanation for his behaviour was “I wanted to get the attention of the police”, Sgt Yuswack said. Magistrate Dianne Scaddan said as the offence triggered a conditional suspended prison order, she was required to consider the possibility of a jail term. Representing himself in court, Zessin said he acted on the “spur of the moment”. Asked why he brought the weapon to court, Zessin said he had his reasons but had “been advised not to say”. Zessin admitted in court it was the “stupidest thing” he had ever done. “I have changed my life...I’ve found a role model. Given the opportunity I will never break the law again,” he told the court. Sgt Yuswack said an immediate prison term was appropriate. Zessin was also facing charges of no authority to drive, providing false personal details and trespass, to which he pleaded guilty. “In my view taking a machete to court with a costume for whatever intention poses a serious risk to the public and court staff,” Magistrate Scaddan said. As she delivered her decision to trigger the prison sentence, Zessin threw his hands down on the bar table and said “Oh f…”. He was fined $1100 for the other offences.