A Smythes Creek man who allegedly threatened to kill a police officer and the officer’s family, while claiming he was a member of the Bandidos, was denied bail yesterday.
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Nathan Barry Waight, 23, appeared in the dock of the Ballarat Magistrates Court for a bail application relating to multiple charges including making a threat to kill, two counts of burglary and contravening a family violence order.
Police documents obtained by The Courier reveal that Waight had been drinking heavily with his brother on Anzac Day this year before he broke into the Woady Yaloak Recreation Centre in Smythesdale.
The prosecution summary states that after continuing to drink more alcohol, Waight then walked to the Smythesdale Caravan Park, where he used a brick paver to smash open the door of a caravan.
Having been arrested a short time later for being drunk, and while being transported to the Ballarat Police Station, Waight began to threaten the arresting police officer.
“You and your family are dead,” he is alleged to have said.
“I have a bullet waiting for you and your wife.
“I’m in the Bandidos.”
Giving evidence to oppose bail, Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Daniel York said Waight was an unacceptable risk to be allowed back into the community.
Detective Senior Constable York said the policeman who was allegedly subjected to the threats feared that Waight might act on his words.
Cross-examining Detective Senior Constable York, Waight’s defence lawyer Mike Wardell said that if bailed, his client would be under adequate supervision at his grandmother’s home.
Denying Waight’s bail, Magistrate Jack Vandersteen said the crown case against Waight was too strong and that he wasn’t satisfied Waight wouldn’t re-offend.
Waight was remanded in custody to appear again in the Ballarat Magistrates Court for a contest mention hearing on May 29.