Court told of threat to kids
A GEELONG man has faced court over claims he told a public service worker he would hunt the woman down and “get” her children.
Damian Piera, 27, of no fixed address, is accused of making the threat during a phone call this month.
The Geelong Magistrates’
Court heard the alleged victim is an employee with the Department of Health and Human Services.
Mr Piera appeared in custody yesterday after presenting himself to a police station on Thursday.
Prosecutor Senior Constable Kerrie Moroney said the allegations stemmed from a phone conversation on June 1.
It is alleged Mr Piera called the woman and told her, “I’ll f--ing hunt you down . . . I’ll get your f---ing kids, just you wait and see.”
Police claim he also told the employee that he had “nothing to lose”.
Sen-Constable Moroney said the woman was immediately fearful and scared that the accused man would follow her home from work. The court heard the woman ended the call, however, it is alleged Mr Piera twice phoned her back, leaving a voice message that said, “Do you really want me to come to the office?”
He has denied making threats and told investigators the claims were “f---ing lies”.
Police opposed bail due to a concern that Mr Piera posed a risk to the safety of the alleged victim. Defence lawyer Simon Northeast said the man could live with a relative in Norlane, while his client also had a stable roofing job.
Magistrate Peter Mellas granted bail, noting Mr Piera’s family support and a likely delay in the case being finalised. He will return to court on August 27.