Luke McKenzie, 32, of Addison Street, Casterton, faced Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Monday on assault and weapon charges as well as breaching an intervention order against his mother. 

The court heard Mr McKenzie arrived at his mother’s home on June 12 from Mount Gambier allegedly affected by ice. 

A statement from Mr McKenzie’s mother read in court described the fear of watching her son behave unpredictably. 

“His eyes were glazed over as if had taken drugs … he said he had taken a lot of ice and he felt like he could kill someone,” her statement read. 

“I’m scared because I don’t know what he is capable of.” 

His mother packed her bags and fled the home. 

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Paul Harris said Mr McKenzie allegedly returned to the home two days later and threatened his mother. 

“He said I’m on a suspended sentence … if I go to jail, I’ll kill you,” Senior Constable Harris said. 

The accused then allegedly removed two kitchen knives and approached his mother. 

“She told police she had never seen her son in such a bad way,” Senior Constable Harris said. 

Mr McKenzie left the house and was arrested nearby a short time later. 

Senior Constable Harris said Mr McKenzie was a “regular user” of ice.

Appealing to the court to issue bail, Mr McKenzie said he would seek treatment for his ice use and had an appropriate address to return to in Casterton. 

“It’s my first time in custody and it’s a big shock to me,” Mr McKenzie said. But Magistrate Peter Mellas said the accused had already breached a suspended sentence. 

“The other aspect would be that he would be in Casterton … he could walk in and out of his mother’s house. That could be a continued threat to her,” Mr Mellas said. 

“I am not optimistic that you would be able to comply with any conditions put in place.” 

Mr McKenzie was remanded in custody to reappear in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on July 2 to face charges of threats to kill, breaching an intervention order, assault with a weapon and unlawful assault.