A Warrnambool man who threatened a taxi driver and continuously kicked an ATM causing over $1200 damage has been ordered to do 75 hours of unpaid community work.
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Ashley Colenso, 40, of Kruger Street, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool Magistrates Court to criminal damage, possessing a prohibited weapon and other charges.
He was placed on a 12-month community corrections order.
On August 19 Colenso was observed in the car park of McDonalds Warrnambool Central at 1.40pm.
Police said he removed a taser from his pocket before sparking its electrical arc. A witness reported the incident to police, who located Colenso outside a Lava Street property about 10 minutes later.
He told police he had purchased the taser online and used it for protection.
Then on August 29 Colenso attended the Bank of Melbourne on Liebig Street with his assistance dog about 6pm.
He attempted to use his Westpac Bank card at the ATM a number of times but it was rejected and eventually swallowed by the machine.
Colenso became angry and kicked the machine four to five times with his right foot.
He returned the following day and staff said they were unable to return the card as it belonged to a different bank. Colenso became angry and left the premises but returned a short time later and apologised.
Staff later viewed CCTV footage which showed the assistance dog standing next to Colenso as he kicked the machine. Police said the cost to repair the machine was over $1200.
Colenso admitted the damage, stating to police that he had "lost it".
Then on April 11 Colenso attempted to pay for a taxi with a cab card that did not belong to him. When the driver questioned him about the card, he became aggressive and told the driver he was going to "shove a knife up your a**".
Fearing for his safety, the driver dropped Colenso home. The offender proceeded to call the taxi company to tell them that the driver would be bashed at his next job. The incident was reported to police.
Lawyer Xavier Farrelly said Colenso had been a passenger of the taxi driver on a number of occasions without incident.
He said his client did not recall making the threats as he was heavily intoxicated and mourning the loss of his father.
Mr Farrelly said Colenso was in possession of the taser following an assault that was committed by a man who was "very well known in the court room".
Magistrate Timothy Bourke said Colenso should be trying to make the last parent he had left proud.
"You are no good of a son if you are acting like this," he said.
Colenso was ordered to pay $1204 restitution to Bank of Melbourne.
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