Jason Atkinson, 33, previously of Grey Street, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with making threats to kill, making threats to inflict serious injury and committing an indictable offence on bail.

Lawyer Morgan Adams said his client suffered an acquired brain injury.

He requested the matter be adjourned but Mr Atkinson told the court he was not guilty of the offences and sacked the legal aid lawyer on the spot.

Mr Atkinson then proceeded to make a self-represented bail application.

He told the court he was a young father who always worked hard and defended his family.

He said he had been living on the streets of Melbourne for two years and was not a violent person.

But police prosecutor Sergeant Sandra Skilton said Mr Atkinson had several prior convictions that included assaulting emergency workers, assaulting police, recklessly causing injury, making threats to kill and drug-related offences.

She said he was was unpredictable, violent, aggressive and a chronic methamphetamine user.

Magistrate Mark Stratmann said Mr Atkinson failed to show exceptional circumstances why he should be released on bail and remanded him in custody.

On May 14 Mr Atkinson boarded a bus near Warrnambool and told the driver he had no money. He was offered a free ride.

During the journey Mr Atkinson approached the driver and asked him what his name was.

He then told him he was going to shoot and kill him.

The driver panicked and continued to drive before parking outside Centrelink in Warrnambool's Lava Street.

He contacted another bus driver and urged them to contact police.

Mr Atkinson left the bus and walked into Centrelink.

The victim told police he was in "genuine fear" of his life and was scared the offender had a knife or a gun.

Mr Atkinson is also charged with threatening to shoot his mother on May 2.

He will appear in court again on August 5.

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