Arabic version: المحكمة تسمع أن «الننشاكو» في مكتب بيزلي قد يكون عصيّ طبول

According to The Guardian, a man accused of making threats while carrying “improvised nunchucks” at Western Australian MP Hannah Beazley’s electorate office may instead have been holding percussion sticks.

John Lawrence Smart, 56, appeared in the WA magistrates court on Thursday after an alleged incident at Beazley’s office in Victoria Park on Wednesday afternoon. He was charged with being armed in a way that may cause fear, making an unlawful threat and possessing cannabis. He was not required to enter a plea.

Prosecutors alleged Smart entered the office physically agitated and screaming while holding two pieces of wood tied together. They said he demanded to see Beazley, raised one implement above his head in a threatening manner, and then left. A second similar implement was allegedly attached to his belt.

Smart told the court he had been a musician for 20 years and was holding claves. His lawyer said he was known to carry percussion sticks in the community and play drums. Magistrate Heidi Watson asked whether the objects could have been “drumsticks”. Watson ordered Smart remain in custody for further medical assessment after hearing he had previously been involuntarily admitted to hospital with schizophrenia.

Beazley said two staff members were in the office during the alleged incident and described it as “confronting”, while praising their response. No one was injured. Premier Roger Cook said discussions were under way on possible security upgrades for parliamentarians and staff, while stressing the need to preserve public access. Smart was scheduled to return to court next Thursday.