By MICHELLE HERBISON
A MAN on his way to court to face unlawful assault and robbery charges used a chance meeting to further offend against his victim, a Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard this week.
Police informant Detective Senior Constable Daryl Crossthwaite told the court Matthew Darmenia, 19, of Anakie Rd, Bell Park, harassed and made threats to kill his victim about 8.30am on 8 April.
Darmenia was at Geelong Railway Station when he allegedly saw the victim walk past and chased him into Gordon Institute of TAFE.
The victim shielded himself with his guitar while Darmenia threatened: “You know when I see you next it’s going to be worse than last time” and “I’m going to break every bone in your body and you’re a dead c..t”.
The victim had since taken out an intervention order against Darmenia, the court heard.
Darmenia was to face court that day for allegedly attacking the same victim without provocation on 7 March.
“The victim was in Moorabool St near the entry to Market Square, reading a bus timetable. He was verbally threatened by the accused,” Sen Const Crossthwaite said.
“The victim walked into the mall and was pursued and assaulted by the accused.”
Darmenia allegedly ripped the victim’s backpack and stole items that he later sold to a second-hand dealer.
He was arrested and later bailed, charged with robbery, unlawful assault and obtaining property by deception.
“The victim is absolutely terrified in relation to both these incidents,” Snr Const Crossthwaite said.
Defence lawyer Duncan Ferguson told the court tensions between Darmenia’s and the victim’s families began when both were aged 16.
“The issues between the families had its genesis between the adults and the children have been caught up in it,” he said.
Magistrate Ann McGarvie said she refused Darmenia’s bail application because he was at unacceptable risk of reoffending despite the intervention order.
“Your anger toward him is so great I’m not satisfied a piece of paper would make any difference to you,” she said.
