A FACEBOOK group used by hundreds of Redlands residents to discuss local issues has been thrust into the spotlight after a councillor was threatened in a series of posts now aired in court.
The Redlands Media Watch – News and Updates page (since renamed Redlands Coasts Conversations) became the platform for comments including “I would actually stab him” directed at Cr Shane Rendalls — posts that led to a guilty plea in Cleveland Magistrates Court.
Vicki Ward, 60, from Wellington Point, pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence over the December 18, 2024 posts.
The court heard Ward first wrote:
“Rendalls is public enemy number one.”
About two hours later, she escalated the attack, posting:
“I would actually stab him… I just wish someone would… he is so evil.”
When challenged, she doubled down:
“No it isn’t. I fully intend to stab him.”
A Police prosecutor told the court the comments were made publicly in the Facebook group and were brought to the councillor’s attention by others concerned about their seriousness.
“The victim stated that he was experiencing anxiety, felt harassed, and threatened by the comments made,” the prosecutor said.
Police traced the Facebook account and IP data back to Ward’s mobile phone.
During an interview, Ward initially claimed her account had been hacked before admitting she had been “very drunk” and made the posts “in a moment of drunken emotion”.
‘This behaviour is endemic’
In a powerful victim impact statement, Cr Rendalls said the threat formed part of a broader pattern of hostility directed at elected officials online.
“People should not hide behind social media and then say, ‘I didn’t mean it’,” he said.
“This behaviour is endemic.”
He told the court the impact had been real and ongoing.
“I’ve experienced assaults on the ferry… my dog has been poisoned… my gates have been interfered with… we’ve been called vermin and told we should be eradicated,” he said.
The councillor said the threat forced him to change how he travelled.
“I was advised not to use public transport… I had to bring a car over on the barge… adding hours and about $180 per trip.”
He said the situation had alarmed his family.
“My wife and family want me to cease being a councillor because of threats… that is unfair.”
While he did not seek jail time, he urged the court to send a message.
“I don’t want Ms Ward to go to jail… but I do want a very clear message sent… that this sort of behaviour is not acceptable.”
‘I didn’t think you’d take it seriously’
Ward apologised directly in court.
“I didn’t really think you would take me seriously… we don’t know each other,” she said.
“I didn’t know about those other things that have happened.”
“I’m sorry.”
She said she was “not a physical threat” and would not make similar comments again.
‘Keyboard warriors’ warning
Sentencing Ward, Magistrate Deborah Vasta issued a blunt warning about online abuse.
“People say things that they would never say to another human being in person,” she said.
“There’s a sense of anonymity… people become what are often called ‘keyboard warriors’.”
“Words do hurt and words can create fear.”
The magistrate noted the offending occurred over a short two-hour period but said the impact was serious.
Ward was released on a 12-month good behaviour recognisance of $600 and ordered to have no contact with Cr Rendalls.
“If you commit another offence… you may have to pay that $600 and be dealt with again,” Magistrate Vasta said.
“This should be a significant learning experience.”
