Michael Norman Priest: Geraldton man pleads guilty to criminal damage after mask-wearing argument at local IGA

A Geraldton man has pleaded guilty after a bizarre incident that saw a fight break out over mask-wearing at a Glenfield supermarket earlier this year. Michael Norman Priest appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with criminal damage or destruction of property and disorderly behaviour in public. The 47-year-old man opted to defend himself in court and pleaded guilty to both charges. Police prosecutor Sergeant Beau Jones said the incident occurred on March 5 this year after Priest and the female victim had a verbal argument over mask-wearing at IGA Glenfield. Priest initially questioned the victim as to why she was not wearing a mask and was told she had a medical exemption. The war of words escalated and spilled out into the car park. The court was told the victim began to reverse from her parking spot, at which point Priest stood in front of her vehicle and prevented her from driving away. As the victim tried to drive away, Priest continued to block her and eventually punched the driver’s side mirror. A remorseful Priest told the court he regretted his actions and that they were out of character. Magistrate Angus Hockton agreed, taking into account his limited record. He was sentenced to pay criminal damages of $1000, court costs of $259.30 and a $300 fine for disorderly behaviour.