Andrew Barclay, 34, left the series of messages following a late-night incident outside the Wendouree Netball Stadium in which a shot was allegedly fired from a handgun.

The Sebastopol man appeared in Ballarat Magistrates Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to a single charge of using a carriage service to offend.

Barclay’s partner – but not Barclay – was said to have been present during the initial incident, which occurred in January this year.

The court heard that upon being told what allegedly happened, Barclay turned to Facebook to make his feelings known.

“Pull a gun and try shot one of my family GRR well guess what (expletive) YOUR DEAD (expletive) I PROMISE,” one of his posts read.

“Play with FIRE ya get burned so sleep tight cause I know something that’s will BURN goodnight :) KARMA (expletive).”

Police became aware of the threats after the man who allegedly fired the gun was told of the posts by a family member.

Defence lawyer Jon Irwin said that although the threats were serious, his client didn’t name anyone and never intended to act on the threats. 

“He resorted to Facebook, as so many people do, to sound off,” Mr Irwin said.

“He was angry, he was frightened and he lost his temper and he wishes he didn’t do it.”

Magistrate Peter Couzens said Barclay had acted inappropriately.

“This was obviously foolhardy behaviour spurred on by what you heard from your partner,” Mr Couzens said.