David John Carwardine an unhappy little Vegemite after night in Albany lock-up

A man who was offered toast for breakfast while held in lock-up at Albany Police Station smeared Vegemite all over his cell because he was furious about the thickness of the iconic Australian spread. David John Carwardine appeared in Albany Magistrates Court via video link from Albany Regional Prison last Thursday. He pleaded guilty to three charges including disorderly behaviour in a police station or lock-up, criminal damage and being armed in a way that may cause fear. Police prosecutor Sergeant Dave Loverock told the court that after Carwardine was arrested over offences on August 14, he was taken to a lock-up cell at Albany Police Station the next day. After being offered breakfast, Carwardine become abusive and threatened officers. He was given Vegemite toast but was immediately unhappy about the thickness of the spread, Sgt Loverock told the court. In retaliation, Carwardine smeared Vegemite all over the walls and speaker of the lock-up cell. Sgt Loverock said a “specialist cleaner” was needed to clean up the mess. The previous day, on August 14, Carwardine was at the Ravensthorpe hospital when he threatened staff with a five-foot walking stick. Sgt Loverock said the man became agitated with how his medical concerns were being treated by nurses. “Waving the stick and threatening staff, the accused used it to smash frames over seats and a COVID-19 sign that instructed patients what to do when arriving at the hospital,” he said. The court was told Carwardine had been in custody since August 15. His defence lawyer asked the court to consider no further penalty given he had already spent more than three months at Albany Regional Prison. Through his lawyer, Carwardine said he was “remorseful”. Magistrate Dianne Scaddan decided Carwardine’s prison time was sufficient punishment for the three offences. He was fined a total of $700.