UPDATE: A 22-year-old man, Cameron Shane Jordan, has been warned to “stay off the road” after crashing his motorbike in front of Tamworth police while armed with a machete and drugs. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of October 18, 2023, has raised urgent safety concerns for the public.
Jordan appeared via video link at Tamworth Local Court, visibly supported by friends and family. He faced multiple charges including possessing a knife in a public place, riding an unregistered vehicle, and several drug-related offenses. The court confirmed he had already pleaded guilty to these charges in October and was sentenced to a 12-month Community Correction Order.
Magistrate Julie Soars expressed serious concerns about Jordan’s behavior, stating, “You are a risk on the road.” She emphasized that his reckless actions put lives in jeopardy, particularly after he collided with a parked vehicle during the incident. “Don’t put lives at risk,” she warned, urging him to focus on regaining his driving privileges.
The crash occurred around 1:30 AM when police were conducting an unrelated traffic stop at the intersection of Matheson and Veness Streets. Jordan sped past officers without a helmet or valid license, losing control of his bike and crashing into a parked car. Fortunately, he suffered only minor injuries.
Upon searching Jordan, police discovered a machete concealed in his pants along with 5.27 grams of cannabis and 1.70 grams of methylamphetamine. Jordan attempted to distance himself from the clothes and bike involved in the incident, claiming they were not his.
His lawyer, Louis Gasparinatos of the Aboriginal Legal Service, argued that while the offenses were serious, they did not warrant imprisonment. He noted that Jordan has recently found stability in his life and is committed to overcoming his issues with drugs.
Despite these claims, Magistrate Soars decided on a community-based sentence, indicating that Jordan’s future actions would determine whether he stays out of custody. She reminded him, “It’s in your hands now to keep out of custody.”
With this warning fresh in mind, authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant. This incident underscores the urgent need for road safety and responsible behavior, particularly among young drivers in Tamworth.
As Jordan begins his supervised rehabilitation, the community watches closely, hoping for a positive transformation. What happens next will be crucial not only for Jordan but for the safety of Tamworth residents.
