Bronson Ellery, 22, released on parole after pleading guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice
A MAN who tried to bully another man into withdrawing a complaint to police has walked free from court after spending almost four months in custody.
Bronson Ellery, 22, pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice in the Southport District Court this morning.
The court heard Ellery called a man, who complained to police about Ellery’s friend damaging a car, to tell him to withdraw his police statement.
He told the complainant to tell police it was a case of mistaken identity and said if he didn’t withdraw the statement he would “(expletive) things up”.
Ellery also threatened to drop into his workplace then turned up there the next day.
Judge Leanne Clare said it was a very pointed, deliberate attempt to bribe and strong arm the complainant into withdrawing his statement.
She said the matter struck at the very heart of the administration of justice.
Ellery was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment but was released on immediate parole.