Man in court over sinister crossbow threat to police

Boston Baker pleaded guilty in Whanganui District Court on Tuesday after posting a threatening image towards police.

A man who made a sinister threat to the New Zealand Police on social media has ended up in court.

Boston Baker pleaded guilty in Whanganui District Court on Tuesday for a charge of threatening behaviour after publishing a photo of himself on social media pointing a crossbow at a logo of the New Zealand Police, with the words "any day could be your last" contained in the post.

Police then raided his home and found a crossbow and two air rifles amongst his possessions.

Sergeant Steven Butler told the court that Baker had been spray painting various locations throughout Whanganui with the words "switching skitzo." The spray painted properties included St John Ambulance and various school playgrounds.

Judge Philip Crayton told Baker he needed to rethink his behaviour.

"I hope this is simply big manning, if that is the case you need to grow up."

He ordered Baker to complete 12 months community supervision and pay $400 reparations for property damage.

"[The spray painting] is distressing for those it affects, it is not something those people should have to deal with."

He warned Baker that further behaviour of this type could result in harsher sentencing.
Baker also plead guilty to an unrelated charge of wilful damage.