John William Thorpe, 28, charged with threatening to kill his own mum, tells court he would rather go to prison than face life outside prison

A South East man who allegedly threatened to kill his mother has told a court “prison may actually be the best thing” for him. See why.

A South East man who allegedly threatened to kill his mother and broke down in tears over the thought of his dog dying after he was denied bail, has told a court he would rather be in jail than return to life outside.

John William Thorpe, 28, appeared by video link in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Tuesday after he allegedly threatened his mother before “smashing up” her car, a court has heard.

Mr Thorpe who views the puppy as “his child” expressed concern for the dog’s welfare, telling the court his mother was not fit to look after the dog.

Mr Thorpe has struggled to find a lawyer since his arrest last Thursday and was represented by acting duty solicitor Kate Annells.

Following a brief adjournment, while not in the company of Mr Thorpe, Ms Annells told the court she was worried about the defendant’s mental health.

John William Thorpe was denied bail in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court after he allegedly threatened to kill his mother. Picture: Lechelle Earl

“I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but just his presentation to me, just leads me to have some concerns,” she said.

“On his account (he’s) experienced a great deal of trauma. What I’m not clear about is if that is real trauma or perceived.

“He may have some persecutory delusion or not.”

When Mr Thorpe was recalled to the dock Ms Annells reapplied for bail, highlighting the alleged extensive physical and emotional abuse the accused had experienced “since he was a child”.

Police prosecution opposed all forms of bail.

John William Thorpe has been charged with threatening to kill his mother allegedly displaying an “extreme” level of violence. Picture: File

“He arrived at a property and threatened to kill her while he was holding a large narrow stick,” a police prosecutor said.

After allegedly smashing both the front and rear windshield of his mother’s car as well as allegedly smashing her phone and glasses, prosecutors allege Mr Thorpe used his car to “deliberately” ram his mother’s car twice “as she attempted to flee”.

Mr Thorpe has been charged with one count of one count of threatening to kill or endanger life, one count of assault and two counts of damage property.

Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos denied Mr Thorpe’s bail application, telling him the alleged “level of violence was extreme”.

Following the Magistrate’s decision, Mr Thorpe asked the court if he could be sentenced immediately, with his concern being his dog.

“I don’t have a life on the outside,” Mr Thorpe said.

“I’d much rather just be sentenced — prison may actually be the best thing.”

“It’s just, I would like my canine to be please be taken care of.”

Ms Kossiavelos informed the accused she was not ready to accept his plea.

Mr Thorpe broke down in tears following his rejected initial bail application last Friday, fearing the dog would die if left alone.

Fearing the animal could starve, Ms Kossiavelos asked if police could attend the property and place the animal with the RSPCA.

Ms Kossiavelos heavily rebuked the police prosecutor after he told her, “it was not their responsibility”.

“It is our responsibility to look after all living animals and human beings. I am expecting the police to go to the defendants house — and for the animal to be taken into the care of the RSPCA,” she said.

“It’s just like taking any child into care. I mean, this is an animal that’s going to end up suffering unnecessarily.”

Mr Thorpe has been remanded in custody with Ms Kossiavelos ordering a psychiatric assessment of the accused.

He will next front court in December.