Jail suspended over threat to kill
An East Bunbury man who held a knife to his brother’s throat and threatened to kill him in a “violent rage” has been given the chance to serve a term of imprisonment in the community.
Bronson Douglas Kerton, 21, also spat at a police officer and tried to pervert the course of justice by offering his brother a carton of beer to drop the charges over the March 9 attack.
Kerton was sentenced in Bunbury District Court on November 12 after spending seven months in custody.
The court was told, Kerton was still in celebration mode after moving into a new rental with his brother when he arrived home drunk on the morning of the attack and discovered a window had been smashed.
Kerton threatened to kill people in the house before picking up a 30cm bread knife and stabbing a door to the bedroom where his brother was hiding.
Kerton eventually gained entry to the room where he pushed the knife into his brother’s throat and said: “I’m going to kill you”.
His brother was left with several marks and grazes.
Police were called and Kerton was arrested a short time later before he called police “dogs” and spat at an officer, striking his pants and leg.
In a police interview, Kerton claimed he was spitting out dirt and not spitting at the officer.
During a phone call while in custody at Bunbury Regional Prison, Kerton asked his father to speak to his brother to encourage him to change his statement.
Kerton also spoke to his brother and told him he would buy him a carton to withdraw the charges.
Statutory declarations were signed by the brother and another witness and Kerton was subsequently released from prison.
But on June 8, police again arrested Kerton after obtaining the recorded prison calls.
Kerton told police he “just wanted to get out of jail”.
In court, Kerton had a strong support following and his lawyer William Reid submitted several support letters including one which showed he had engaged in Alcoholics Anonymous while in jail.
Mr Reid said Kerton took full responsibility for his actions, was remorseful and had taken steps to address his mental health issues.
Judge Philip McCann said while it was a terrifying and violent attack, he accepted Kerton had not “sulked” while in jail and that he was apologetic.
Judge McCann was so impressed with Kerton’s appearance that he told him he would be welcome to date one if his daughters.
“If I had any daughters left you would be perfectly welcome, but they’re all taken so bad luck,” Judge McCann said.
Kerton was sentenced to 16 months jail, suspended for 18 months along with supervision and program requirements.
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