Wollongong court proceedings involve separate public disturbances

Two separate incidents involving public misconduct were addressed in Wollongong courts.

Bradley Lonesborough, 34, pleaded guilty to charges of intimidating police, behaving offensively, and failing to comply with police directions. The charges stem from an October 8 incident where Lonesborough became hostile toward officers at a bus stop on Burelli Street. During the encounter, Lonesborough allegedly used offensive language and exposed his bare buttocks to police and passengers on a nearby bus. Court documents noted Lonesborough was on parole and known to police for weapons-related issues.

In a separate matter, Jackie-Lee Hawes, 43, was sentenced following an incident at North Wollongong train station in May. Hawes poured beer over a stranger, an interaction that required bystanders to intervene. The court heard that Hawes was experiencing mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, at the time of the offense. She was handed a nine-month community-based prison sentence and ordered to continue drug and alcohol treatment under supervision.