Man who allegedly threatened a guard with a knife released on bail due to COVID-19 delay

Justin Broadbent appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Monday.

He was charged with making threats to kill, threats to damage property, using threatening words in a public place, unlawful assault, using a controlled weapon, unlicensed driving, and dangerous driving while being pursued by police.

Magistrate Rodney Higgins said he would grant Mr Broadbent bail because under the current COVID-19 delays, the accused would have to be remanded in custody until November.

But Mr Higgins said he would impose stringent bail conditions to reflect the seriousness of the alleged crimes.

Read more court: Coroner finds man with schizophrenia who killed partner received appropriate treatment before woman's death

"If you let me down, you will be in jail until at least November this year and probably even longer," Magistrate Higgins said.

The court heard on January 17 this year, Mr Broadbent attended a store in Lansell Square where he attempted to purchase cigarettes.

When he was denied because he did not have any identification on him, it was alleged Mr Broadbent became aggressive with staff.

A security guard went to Mr Broadbent but the accused allegedly verbally abused the man.

The court heard Mr Broadbent then presented a knife to the guard before leaving the store.

Mr Broadbent then allegedly got into a car and sped quickly in the car park so that his tires screeched.

It is alleged Mr Broadbent then got out of the car, returned to the guard, and punched him twice.

The guard deflected the punches and another guard called Triple Zero.

Mr Broadbent allegedly produced the knife again to the guards before leaving the scene.

Read more: Bendigo man charged with sabotage of police systems freed on bail due to COVID-19 delay

The court then heard about 1.30pm on Saturday, Mr Broadbent was allegedly driving erratically behind an unmarked police car in Church Street, Kangaroo Flat.

It is alleged when the police car attempted to turn into another street, Mr Broadbent overtook the vehicle at speed without using an indicator.

The court heard police followed Mr Broadbent's car with lights and sirens on but Mr Broadbent allegedly sped faster.

Police abandoned the chase because it was too dangerous to continue.

Police later went to Mr Broadbent's address where he was arrested and taken in for interview.

The court heard Mr Broadbent initially denied being the driver of the car before admitting he was behind the wheel.

Police said he also made partial admissions about the January incident.

Mr Broadbent, who was representing himself in court, told the Magistrate he needed bail to look after his elderly father.

But police prosecutor Senior Constable Chris Jones told the court Mr Broadbent was a risk to the community.

Mr Higgins granted Mr Broadbent bail on the condition he followed a 9pm to 7am curfew, remained at a fixed address, and would not drive in any circumstance.

Mr Broadbent will return to court in November for a mention hearing.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.