A man allegedly seen on CCTV running down a suburban street with a double-barrelled shotgun days after being released from custody has been denied bail.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It's alleged the man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had been acting erratically while at his former partner's house, allegedly in breach of bail conditions, in February 2021.
After allegedly threatening to burn the house down, he left the house, returning some hours later to knock on a neighbour's door.
After leaving "to get something", it's alleged he returned to the neighbour's house with a double-barrelled shotgun - he was told by the neighbour he was not to bring it inside the house, and subsequent CCTV footage allegedly shows the man running down the street holding the firearm.
Police then attended the address, and arrested the man in the street.
He took them to his former partner's house, where he showed them what's alleged to be a slug gun.
When his former partner returned home, she alleged there was further damage to her house and car.
He was remanded in custody, and while in prison, police allege he made several phone calls where he asked where "it" was hidden - "the dogs, they'll never find it," he said at one stage, while he speaks about "burying it" in another phone call.
Speaking to a male associate, the accused allegedly said "they didn't find it, I gave them a slug gun".
The police informant said the man has not yet told investigators where the shotgun allegedly seen in the CCTV footage is located, nor has it been found yet.
It's also alleged he destroyed a police phone while remanded, and made an attempt to get a witness to change their statement.
The man was on bail for several other matters at the time, and had been been previously bailed about a week before the alleged offending.
The man's defence submitted if bailed, he would have parental support at their home, far from where the alleged offending took place, as well as potential employment.
They argued with strict conditions, coupled with engagement with the Court Integrated Services Program, the accused could capitalise on "time spent detoxing" in custody.
It was noted by the prosecution that the man had previously been bailed under a curfew to his parent's house, but had almost immediately gone to his former partner's house.
IN THE NEWS
However, Magistrate Noreen Toohey said she was unsatisfied there were any measures that could protect witnesses, given the man's "complete disregard" for court orders and bail in the past.
"It's likely to attract a significant term of imprisonment, the prosecution's case is strong, (and) the witness is terrified of the (accused)," she said.
"There is a very serious risk."
Bail was refused, and the case will return to court on July 29.
The man has served 150 days pre-sentence detention.
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.