A man allegedly threatened two workers at a transitional housing facility after they refused him access to a shed where a pet parrot lived, a court has heard.
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The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, applied for bail at the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
It was alleged the man threatened to attack and kill the workers when he was denied access to a shed because of his behaviour that day.
Constable Keith Marshall told the court the victims of the alleged crimes were frightened of the man, and one who had long worked in the industry reported it was the first time he had been fearful for his life.
Constable Marshall said he opposed the man being granted bail because he believed he would commit offences.
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Community Correctional Services' Tara Sharp told the court it was also the position of Corrections Victoria that the man posed an unacceptable risk.
She said the man was accused of other incidents that had not been reported to police.
Given the level of support the man had already received, Ms Sharp said, there were no further bail conditions that could alleviate risk.
But the court heard the man would not be released if granted bail in the Magistrates' Court, as he was on a County Court remand order and would need to apply for bail in that court, too.
Defence lawyer Tom Battersby submitted the risk the man posed was lower than that asserted by Corrections, and the alleged offending did not warrant a term of imprisonment if he was found guilty.
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He had already served almost five months in custody.
The court also heard the man had an intellectual disability.
Magistrate Megan Aumair noted the man was a vulnerable person and it was possible that he could spend more time in custody than he would serve in a sentence, but a contested hearing was less than three weeks away.
She found compelling reasons, the threshold for bail in this case, had not been established and refused bail.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
