By PAUL MILLAR
A LOCAL character living in a bush camp outside Apollo Bay is expected to face the Geelong Magistrates’ Court today on explosive and blackmail charges.
Arson and Explosives Squad detectives have charged the 75-year-old man in relation to alleged threats against State Government employees and other non-government institutions.
The Apollo Bay man was arrested around 9.15am yesterday in the isolated Bush Rat Gully.
He has been charged with two counts of blackmail, one count of stalking and one count of making an explosive substance.
He faced an out of session’s court hearing last night after being questioned by police and was remanded in custody to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court.
Authorities, including the dog squad and explosive experts scoured dense bushland in the Otways in connection with an ongoing operation.
Locals said the man had been living in a makeshift bush retreat for up to ten years and had carved a footpath to his home.
His home, made of tarps, was powered by solar panels and had a satellite dish.
