A MAN had been smoking synthetic cannabis when he waved a weapon at a family while threatening to kill them, a court has heard.
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Craig Thomas Swan, 38, of Moore Street, Warrnambool, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool Magistrates Court yesterday to charges of possessing a prohibited weapon, threats to kill and assault with a weapon.
The court heard that on March 9 this year Swan had been arguing with the victim over using the legally available drug Kronic and rent payments.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Kevin Mullins said Swan sent the victim abusive text messages.
“He said if she and her boyfriend didn’t pay the rent he would bury them both,” the prosecutor said.
Swan and a female victim were involved in a small scuffle outside Images Restaurant in Liebig Street, Warrnambool.
Later in the day the female victim and members of her family went to the Moore Street address where she and Swan were living.
Senior Constable Mullins said the accused was in an agitated state when the family arrived.
“The accused was covered in blood and had no idea how this occurred,” Senior Constable Mullins said. “The accused has gone inside and come out with a 30cm long knife and said ‘I will kill you both’.
“He yelled ‘I’m going to kill you all’ as he held the knife above his head.”
A friend of the victim then tackled Swan to the ground and called police. Senior Constable Mullins said the accused had no memory of the incident when interviewed.
Defence counsel Alice Reynolds said her client was a committed community volunteer and store manager but had made the mistake of experimenting with synthetic cannabis.
“I submit that the incident was a result of him experimenting with Kronic,” Ms Reynolds said.
Magistrate Peter Mellas told Swan he would treat the incident as a one-off, noting the accused did not seem like he was in the throes of an alcohol problem.
“The potential for what could have happened must be obvious in the cold light of day,” Mr Mellas said.
Swan was fined $960. The weapon will be destroyed.