Wade Uecker goes on angry rampage against Ezi Cut Tree Services owner

An angry labourer flung a long neck at his former boss and threatened to burn his house down before throwing a can of Jack Daniel’s and coke at an ex-colleague causing it to explode in his car.

A man went on an angry rampage directed at his ex-employer after being fired from Hill Top company Ezi Cut Tree Services last year.

Wade Otto Uecker, 37, appeared in Moss Vale Court this week after pleading guilty to intentionally destroying property, common assault, two counts of intimidation, and driving while disqualified.

The Balmoral man appeared via AVL in his prison greens, having been in custody since February for breaching a previous court order.

According to court documents, Uecker had been employed with Ezi Cut Tree Services for around 18 months as a labourer before he was fired by the owner last year. The owner subsequently blocked Uecker’s phone number.

On February 8, the owner was in his car outside Hill Top general store when he saw Uecker on the road behind him, yelling and pointing in his direction. He couldn’t hear what the man was saying, so he drove off.

Wade Otto Uecker has been jailed for threatening his former boss, the owner of Ezi Cut Tree Services. Picture: Ezi Cut Tree Services

He then noticed a car behind him flash its lights, so he slowed down, only to be cut off by the car driving around him and stopping suddenly. Uecker got out of the car and kicked the rear panel of his ex-boss’ car. As his ex-employer retreated, Uecker threw a long neck beer bottle at the car, according to court documents.

When he got home, the owner of Ezi Cut got a phone call from his parents, who told him Uecker had come to their Hill Top house and threatened to steal his belongings and burn the house down.

Another call came from an employee of Ezi Cut, who had driven past Uecker in Hill Top. He told his boss Uecker had thrown an open can of Jack Daniels and Coke into his car, which had skimmed his face and then exploded throughout the cabin.

The owner of Ezi Cut found he had blocked phone calls and 14 voice messages from Uecker, who threatened him and repeatedly called him a weak c**t, p***y, f***wit and a girl.

The voicemails were very threatening towards the victim and his parents and court documents reveal Uecker said he would steal and burn his ex-boss’ belongings and house.

Wade Otto Uecker was employed with Ezi Cut for around 18 months before he was fired in 2020. Photos: Ezi Cut Tree Services

“I’m gunna punch you the f**k out. Your time’s come c**t,” he said.

“I’ll come steal all your shit and burn your f**king house down, ya maggot.”

Uecker’s lawyer said his client had acted impulsively when he saw his ex-boss, whom he says was verbally abusive towards him at work.

“He became angry and he let his anger get the better of him,” he said.

“He accepts he was wrong to act that way. He’s remorseful for his actions.”

His lawyer said Uecker had been in a “downward spiral” in relation to drug and alcohol dependency, which fuelled his repeat offending.

Magistrate Mark Douglass agreed Uecker’s criminal history since 2016 shows a sharp decline.

“There should be recognition that if he continues to commit offences, he will be taken off the streets,” he said.

Many family members and family friends were at Moss Vale Court in support of Wade Otto Uecker. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

The magistrate said he believed the time Uecker spent in jail would deter him from reoffending.

“It’s his first time in custody, one would imagine he’s learned his lesson. (It’s a) short sharp shock,” he said.

Magistrate Douglass sentenced Uecker to three months in jail and backdated the term to February so he is due for release immediately. He also sentenced the offender to an 18-month community corrections order with a number of conditions.

He ordered Uecker to participate in mental health assessment, anger management, counselling and treatment, but prohibited him from using drugs or alcohol.

Numerous family members were in court awaiting the outcome and they told The Bowral News they were relieved to hear Uecker would be released soon.