Police allegedly found a gel blaster firearm and a knife in the Canberra Hospital on 3 June 2025. Photo: ACT Policing.
Police allegedly seized a gel blaster pistol and a knife from a patient who was in hospital due to the complications he had developed after being stabbed.
Officers arrived at Canberra Hospital on Tuesday (3 June) and seized a gel blaster pistol and a knife, an ACT Policing spokesperson alleged.
They also reportedly found four combination lock boxes, digital scales and small plastic ziplock bags.
When officers later gained access to the lock boxes, they allegedly found cash, a crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
A patient, 36-year-old Luke Jeffrey Trewartha of Chapman, was accused of possessing the items and was arrested.
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He was charged with unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm, possessing a knife without a reasonable excuse and possessing a drug of dependence.
He faced the ACT Magistrates Court in a wheelchair on Wednesday (4 June) to apply for bail.
His lawyer, Amelie McCarthy of Legal Aid, said he had been stabbed earlier this year and returned to hospital five weeks ago.
He had been in hospital since then to manage an infection in his leg and was a very unwell man, she said.
She said there was nothing to suggest he would allegedly re-offend if granted bail and noted it appeared the alleged gel blaster and knife had been seized by police, so he could not interfere with the evidence.
The prosecutor, who opposed bail, argued that as the alleged weapons were found at hospital, Trewartha posed a risk to hospital staff and the community in general.
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Magistrate Glenn Theaktson said it was clear he was in a state of crisis regarding his health, but noted he could receive treatment at the Alexander Maconochie Centre and could be taken to hospital if required.
He said that, as the alleged firearm was a gel blaster, it was an imitation firearm, but also noted it appeared that Trewartha thought the hospital was trying to kill him.
Magistrate Theakston ultimately thought Trewartha would present a risk of harm to others, including hospital staff, if he were released so bail was refused.
He was remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned to 26 June. No pleas were entered.
