Jade Thomas Hunt: Bunbury man fined $1250 for hiding large hunting knife in pants while riding his bicycle

A 31-year-old Bunbury man has been warned to stop carrying weapons through the streets of Bunbury after he was caught by police hiding a large hunting knife in his pants. Jade Thomas Hunt appeared in Bunbury Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where he was fined $1250 after pleading guilty to carrying an article with intent to cause fear that someone will be injured or disabled. The court was told Hunt was sighted by police riding his bicycle along Wisbey Street in Carey Park during the early hours of March 2. As police drove up to Hunt to approach him, Hunt proceeded to evade police by hiding within a nearby block of apartments. Officers approached Hunt again after finding him in a driveway and informed him he would be subject to a search due to his “suspicious behaviour”. Hunt then declared he had a large, wooden-handled hunting knife in his possession, lifting his shirt to reveal the knife secured under the waistband of his pants. When asked by police why he had the knife, Hunt told officers he used it for protection. The knife was seized and Hunt was issued a summons to attend court after being charged. When asked by Magistrate Benjamin Tyers why he feels the need to go around with weapons, Hunt — who was representing himself — gave no further explanation. It was also noted that Hunt had been convicted of similar offending in 2020. In sentencing, Mr Tyers warned Hunt that he was “racking up quite the history” for carrying weapons. “You better stop it or you will find yourself behind bars,” he said. Hunt was also ordered to pay court costs and an order for destruction was granted for the knife.