Steven James Goodchild pleads not guilty to intimidation and using a weapon with intent at Brunswick Heads

A Northern Rivers man charged with wielding a pair of scissors as a weapon declared it was “poppycock” that his freedom was denied. Here’s what we know.

Goodchild has been accused of wielding a pair of scissors.

A Northern Rivers man accused of wielding a pair of scissors as a weapon in public declared it was “poppycock” that his freedom was denied in court.

Steven James Goodchild, 68, appeared through video link in Byron Bay Local Court on Monday in a bid to get out of custody on bail.

He pleaded not guilty to two counts of intimidation and using a weapon with the intention of committing an indictable offence.

Police allege the offending took place at Brunswick Heads on March 19.

Goodchild remains in custody.

The court heard Goodchild suffered from a cognitive impairment.

Defence lawyer Kylie Alaine Anderson Clarke told the court Goodchild had spent two months in custody and sought medical treatment several times.

“His age and conditions do make him a person of particular vulnerability,” she said.

“He has been the subject of a number of physical assaults during his time in custody.”

The lawyer said Goodchild could live at a new address far away from the location of the alleged offending if bailed.

Police prosecutor Kadene Connery told the court Goodchild previously applied for bail on March 20, but it was refused due to a history of noncompliance.

Magistrate Karen Stafford refused to grant Goodchild bail and said she believed there was a high risk he would reoffend.

Goodchild replied: “That’s a load of poppycock.”

“I’m 68 years old.”

Goodchild is due to return to the Ballina court for a hearing on May 19.