By PAUL MILLAR
AN APOLLO Bay man living in a shanty in rugged bushland for more than a decade has been denied bail after facing court on explosives, blackmail and stalking charges.
Paul Leonard Hill, 75, known as “Noddy” to locals, faced the Geelong Magistrates Court after being arrested at his bush home.
The former abalone diver, who on Facebook gives his occupation as a self-employed carpenter from Bethlehem, was charged with making an explosive device, two counts of blackmail, and stalking Premier Daniel Andrews.
After being questioned and charged by Arson and Explosives Squad detectives on Tuesday he faced an out-of sessions court hearing.
He was then remanded to face the magistrates court on Wednesday, where he was denied bail and further detained to face the same court for committal mention on 22 January.
The Geelong court appearance followed a police investigation, which resulted in his arrest on Tuesday.
He had been living in a bush retreat with solar panels, a communications satellite dish and had cut pathways through the rugged landscape.
Apollo Bay Police alerted the Arson and Explosives Squad of their concerns when Mr Hill allegedly posted pictures of explosive devices online.
The Bomb Squad investigated the images and believed that they could be highly dangerous.
Police allege that Mr Hill had sent 78 emails to the Premier over a 44-day period starting in March, resulting in the stalking charge.
It also alleged he demanded compensation from the Premier of $50,000 or he would unleash Armageddon, which prompted the blackmail allegation.
