Brian James Blain, 39, of Curdies River Road, Timboon, appeared in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court for a contest mention hearing but pleaded guilty after getting a sentence indication that a CCO could be imposed. 

Police said that about midnight on August 24 Blain went to his neighbour’s home and while on the front lawn made threats to injure, bash and kill the neighbour. 

He also kicked the neighbour’s car causing $2000 damage to the panels. 

Cobden and Warrnambool police attended and Blain walked into his home and locked all the doors, telling officers he would assault them if they tried to enter his home. 

Blain continued to act aggressively and was eventually subdued with capsicum spray although he continued to try and assault police. 

The victim said Blain was frothing at the mouth and repeatedly called him names and abused him. 

The neighbour also said Blain held drug-fuelled parties and played music loudly which caused neighbour issues.

Solicitor Alex McCulloch said his client had a history of mental health issues but had now moved out of his previous accommodation and in with his father where he was helping out on the family farm. 

He said Blain simply denied making the threats to bash or kill the neighbour. 

Magistrate Peter Mellas said it was clear that Blain had gone to his neighbour’s home and was angry enough to cause damage to a car and have negative involvement with police officers. 

An Office Of Corrections staff member said Blain had successfully completed a corrections order but had relapsed into cannabis use and not engaged with a psychologist when requested to do so. 

Blain also claimed his letterbox had been damaged in the ongoing dispute with his neighbour. 

Mr Mellas said it was clear Blain needed structure in his life, that he had done OK on his past corrections order but warned there were not many sentencing options other than jail. 

The magistrate said it was difficult to sentence people from rural areas where community work was not available as part of a corrections order.