Teen sentenced for drunken knife assaults on police
Rex Martinich |
A teenager who narrowly avoided being shot by police when she threatened officers with a knife following an armed robbery faces the threat of deportation after being sentenced.
Harmony Rose Matthews was just 18 when she was surrounded by police with their firearms drawn on May 18, 2025 at Morayfield, north of Brisbane.
She had earlier produced a steak knife when a liquor store worker confronted her while she was stealing a bottle of rum.
Matthews, now 19, appeared via video-link in Brisbane District Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to stealing, armed robbery and two counts of serious assault on police.
Police used a Taser to subdue and handcuff Matthews after she pointed a knife at a female senior constable and a male officer, Judge Glen Cranny heard.
“The police deserve a commendation for the restrained manner in which they dealt with a violent and potentially very dangerous situation,” Judge Cranny said.
The crown prosecutor said Matthews was “incredibly young at the time” of her offending but already had a criminal record.
“It’s a pattern where she gets drunk and then behaves atrociously,” the prosecutor said.
“This was gratuitous violence in public.”
Defence barrister Christopher O’Neill said Matthews was an alcoholic and submitted she had been drinking two bottles of spirits a day.
“It’s her first time in custody for a significant period with 409 days on remand,” Mr O’Neill said.
“It’s been a wake-up call for her as she was floating through life … she has now spent a decent time away from alcohol.”
Matthews knew she had been lucky after her actions put police in a situation where the use of firearms was warranted, Mr O’Neill said.
He asked for a sentence that would not recognise Matthews’ previous 409 days in custody as time served.
Matthews officially serving more than 12 months as part of sentence would trigger her deportation to New Zealand, Judge Cranny heard.
Australia’s immigration minister will still have the discretionary option to deport Matthews.
In sentencing, Judge Cranny said Matthews had mental health issues and a sad childhood across many homes but had committed serious offences.
“This was serious violence against a defenceless person just doing their work,” Judge Cranny said.
“The violence against police was also very confronting and concerning for them but they handled it well.”
Matthews was sentenced to two-and-a-half years’ imprisonment to be wholly suspended with release on probation.
“You have to work hard in terms of your alcohol problem,” Judge Cranny said.
Matthews remained in custody for a separate sentencing next week in Magistrates Court.
AAP