Christen William Jones: Man wants charge dropped because he did not know his victim was a police officer

In a chaotic court appearance, a man accused of trying to rob a police prosecutor has denied a charge of trying to escape lawful custody because he did not know the victim was a police officer before he was arrested.

Christen William Jones, 53, appeared in Albany Magistrates Court via video link from Albany Regional Prison on Thursday charged with assaulting a public officer, obstructing public officers, attempted home burglary with intent, and escaping from lawful custody.

Mr Jones is accused of trying to break into the home of police prosecutor Warrick Walker on December 2, 2023.

He has been in prison on remand since his December arrest with his last court appearance on June 6 adjourned for a month after he dismissed his legal representative.

On July 18, Legal Aid lawyer Graeme Payne represented Mr Jones and told the court that his client would plead not guilty to the charges.

Speaking via video link, Mr Jones interjected and said he would plead guilty to the charges if the police dropped the escape from lawful custody.

Mr Jones said that he did not know the victim was a police officer.

“I only understood he was a police officer when I got arrested and was handcuffed and put in the back of the car,” he said.

Magistrate Erin O’Donnell adjourned the hearing to August 1 while police prosecutor Sgt Matt Hartfield considers whether to drop the charge.