Graeme Buckmaster allegedly made threats against Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and magistrate John Wells

A truck driver allegedly threatened to leave SA’s highest-ranking officer “with scars” and pummel a magistrate if his court hearing didn’t go his way, a court has heard.

A truck driver has allegedly threatened to leave the SA Police Commissioner with scars and pummel a court magistrate if his licence was taken away, a court has heard.

Graeme Scott Buckmaster, 64, applied for bail by video link from custody in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, after he allegedly divulged the threats to his psychologist.

Graeme Buckmaster was denied bail in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, charged with making threats against Police Commissioner, Grant Stevens and a magistrate. Photo: Facebook

A police prosecutor opposed the bail application, due to the seriousness of the allegations.

“He’s made threats against the Commissioner of Police and one of our magistrates, John Wells,” the police prosecutor said.

The court heard that Buckmaster had an appointment with his psychologist on Wednesday at Oakden.

“The defendant presented as being fixated in relation to truck driver log books and fatigue issues,” the police prosecutor said.

“He made specific threats to public officer holders and some end-of-tether-type language, specifically to Commissioner Grant Stevens.

“He said that he would hurt the Commissioner and that he would remember every time he looked in the mirror, making reference to scars that would be on the Commissioner’s face.

“He said I will attack police and it will be Grant Stevens, not his minions below him.”

The court heard Buckmaster referred to his pending court charges, which include a solo driver exceeding maximum work time and knowingly make false or misleading statement.

“He stated that if the hearing did not go his way, he would attack the magistrate,” the police prosecutor said.

The court was told Buckmaster allegedly told his psychologist, “I will jump the dock and pummel the magistrate if they dare to take away my licence”.

South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens. Photo: Kelly Barnes/Getty Images

“He stated he’s had a good life, ‘I don’t care if I go to prison, it will be worth it’,” the police prosecutor said.

“He stated that this course was more important than his marriage and extended family.”

The court was told Buckmaster suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder from a truck accident in 1997.

“Police have seized mobile phones and computers in relation to this matter which are to be examined,” the police prosecutor said.

Buckmaster, of Semaphore, is charged with threatening a person on account of discharge of official duties and two counts of threatening to cause harm to police.

Christina Chrisakas, for Buckmaster, told the court that they accepted the allegations were “extremely serious”.

“Mr Buckmaster, for some context, is currently charged with matters relating to his truck driving licence,” she said.

“They are conditional threats and they are contingent on the outcome of the matter.”

The court heard Buckmaster’s partner was due to have surgery in the coming weeks for a shoulder reconstruction.

“If he is remanded in custody there is a possibility that she will be unable to continue her rehabilitation as she would do so if he was home,” Ms Chrisakas said.

Ms Chrisakas told the court conditions could be fashioned to protect the safety of the alleged victims, including Buckmaster appearing by phone for future court hearings.

Magistrate Stefan Metanomski denied Buckmaster bail.

“Given the seriousness of the allegations in relation to public figures and a real concern to mental health issues, their safety might be in danger,” he said.

The case was adjourned until September.