A 58-year-old man who allegedly wrote offensive words and symbols on signs and distributed them through Perth suburbs has appeared in court charged with conduct intended to racially harass.
Police allege David Lawrence Thomson placed the items, which included CDs and a hand-drawn cardboard sign, around Belmont and Rivervale on 30 occasions over almost two years, from April 2018 to July 2020.
Mr Thomson appeared in court twice today over the offensive homemade signs.
The first time, he represented himself and said he understood the charges.
He told the court he had not spoken to a lawyer and did not need to.
But after Magistrate Joe Mignacca-Randazzo asked a number of questions about if he understood the consequence of the "unusual charges", Mr Thomson said he was "not too sure" if he needed legal advice.
On that basis, the Magistrate recommended he speak to a duty lawyer.
Upon questioning from the Magistrate, Mr Thomson said he had intended to plead guilty.
He returned to court later in the morning with a duty lawyer who requested the matter be adjourned.
He is due to appear in court again on January 6, 2021.
Language 'not reflective' of views held by community
The images of the offensive content were shared by WA Police in March to try and find the person responsible.
Police said detectives executed a search warrant in November at a Redcliffe residence where the accused was arrested and several items were seized.
In a statement, WA Police said the content Mr Thomson allegedly wrote on the signs has no place in the community.
"It is not reflective of the views held by members of the diverse and multi-cultural community we are all proud to be a part of," the spokesperson said.
"This arrest highlights that offenders will be identified, and they will be prosecuted."
As Mr Thomson left court, he ran from television cameras filming him.
Police have also charged him with possessing a controlled weapon.
