Kill threat to bystander

Knife held to throat as worker tried to call police

A GEELONG worker who witnessed an assault in his shop was told he would be killed as a knife was held against his neck.

The victim had grabbed his phone to alert police when a fight spilt into his Moorabool St convenience store on August 22 this year.

One of the men, Kyle El- ston, was wielding a 30cmlong kitchen knife in one hand and a broken piece of wood in the other, the Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.

The other man grabbed a ‘Slippery When Wet’ floor sign to protect himself.

After the employee reached for his phone, Elston turned his attention to the innocent bystander.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Peter Beard, said the 21-yearold cut the victim below the ear as he pressed a knife against his neck.

Elston warned the worker that he would kill him if he tried calling police, before leav- ing the store. “The victim was shaking and feared for his life,” Sgt Beard told the court.

Elston was arrested at the nearby Moorabool St bus interchange the following morning.

Sgt Beard said Elston was still wearing the same clothes and had the knife in his pocket.

After being held in custody for just over two months, Elston yesterday applied for bail.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan indicated he would release Elston today.

He would then be transported several hours to attend a live-in rehabilitation facility.

Elston, who has pleaded guilty to unlawful assault and making a threat to kill, was listed to appear in the Koori Court on January 17 next year.

Mr Coghlan warned the defendant that his commitment to the rehabilitation program would largely dictate whether he received any more jail time.

The 21-year-old is already on a justice plan after being placed on a community corrections order last year.