Christopher Creed at Ballina court on intimidation charge

A Ballina restaurant owner investigating the sound of smashing glass was met by a man dressed in black who threatened to kill the businessman. Read what happened in court.

Christopher Creed, 31, pleaded guilty at Ballina Local Court on Friday (October 28) to an intimidation charge.

A Ballina restaurant owner investigating the sound of smashing glass in the alleyway behind his establishment was met by a man dressed in black who threatened to kill the businessman.

Labourer Christopher Creed, 31, pleaded guilty at Ballina Local Court on Friday (October 28) to an intimidation charge, having previously pleaded guilty to being armed with the intention to commit an indictable offence and being in the custody of a knife in a public place in relation to the incident.

The court heard restaurant owner-operator Ashley Stafford rushed to the back entrance of the store on Winton Lane after hearing something smash loudly.

Police documents state Mr Stafford saw Creed standing in the alleyway next to a broken glass coke bottle.

Creed was dressed in a black hoodie, hat and tracksuit pants.

Mr Stafford said to Creed “why the f--k would you do that?”

Police state Creed quickly became aggressive and pulled out a black-handled knife with a black blade, and told Mr Stafford “I’ll stab ya c--t”.

Mr Stafford retreated back into the restaurant, closed the door and grabbed a knife himself for protection before checking to see if Creed was still in the alleyway, which he was.

When Creed saw Mr Stafford opening the door he ran toward him saying “I’m gonna kill ya”, police facts state.

Mr Stafford quickly pulled the door shut again.

When he reopened it a short time later, Creed was walking away but yelled “I’ll come back for you c--t” as he left.

An off-duty police officer saw the incident and reported it to on-duty police.

Police located Creed walking west on Winton Lane and arrested him.

Police facts state officers found a knife in a small garden some 15 metres away.

At the station, officers asked Creed if he had a knife.

“Yes I did, you know that because you found it,” police facts state.

The case has been adjourned to November 14 at Lismore Local Court.