Man to Face Court After Alleged Disturbance at ACT Law Courts

Umesh Dhakal

KNA- Canberra

A 43-year-old man from Ainslie is scheduled to face court today following an alleged disturbance at the ACT Law Courts in the city on Thursday morning.

Police were called to the ACT Magistrates Court about 9:40am on Thursday, 12 February 2026, after reports were received of a man behaving in a disruptive manner. It has been alleged that the man was verbally aggressive, made threats towards multiple people, and attempted to light a flag on fire several times inside the courtroom.

As a precautionary measure, the courtroom was cleared to ensure the safety of members of the public and court staff.

The man was subsequently removed from the room and spoken to by court staff and police before being escorted from the Magistrates Court building.

Following further enquiries, the man was arrested at his Ainslie residence on Friday, 13 February 2026. He is expected to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court today, Saturday, 14 February 2026.

Charges are expected to include contempt of court, two counts of attempting to light an unauthorised fire, making demands accompanied by threats, offensive behaviour, and acting in a manner intended to cause public alarm.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Source: ACT Policing