No bail on threats

By Cam Lucadou-Wells

A man who repeatedly threatened to shoot or have Narre Warren police killed while he was under arrest has been refused bail.
The 18-year-old, who represented himself, had been arrested for three times attending his parents’ home in Botanic Ridge in defiance of a full intervention order on 18 and 20 August, Dandenong Magistrates’ Court was told.
During the first encounter, the man damaged a laundry door in breaking into the house. On the final occasion, he grabbed a piece of wood out of his mother’s hand and pushed her down the hallway.
On 20 August, he was arrested at a nearby bus stop by police, informant Sergeant Christopher Hayes told the court.
When asked to verify the false name and address he supplied police, he told them to “go f*** yourself”.
He “violently” threw his arms around in resisting arrest and told the police he’d kill them and shoot them, Sgt Hayes said.
When taken to Narre Warren police station, he reiterated his threats to shoot and kill multiple times.
He said that he’d organise for the officers to be shot, another time that he’d buy a gun and do the job himself.
In a later interview, he couldn’t recall the threats. He blamed the situation on his parents for “kicking him out on the street,” Sgt Hayes said.
The man was on bail at the time, as well as facing nine pending charges including burglary, shop theft, criminal damage, using cannabis and assault.
He told the court on 21 August he had been recently hospitalised for undiagnosed mental health issues stemming from drug use.
He possibly suffered auditory hallucinations, schizophrenia and depression, he said.
“I hardly ever smoke (cannabis). On the weekend I have a bit.”
He denied making the threats, and said that he was “coping quite well”.
“I don’t have a gun on me,” he told the court.
“I didn’t mean to say that.”
Police opposed bail partly because of the accused’s repeated disregard for court orders, his unpredictable, escalating behaviour and his apparent homelessness.
Magistrate Jack Vandersteen said he didn’t think the man was vulnerable in custody but couldn’t bail him due to his risk of re-offending.
“When police picked him up, he was out of order with what he’s saying.
“He’s well out of his depth.”
Mr Vandersteen said he required an assessment of the man by Youth Justice and Forensicare, as well as a fixed address for the man.
The man was remanded for a further bail application on 24 August.