Northmead: Dean John Fomiatti faces court accused of bomb hoax

A man accused of bringing some of Sydney’s busiest roads to a standstill over a bomb threat will be assessed under the Mental Health Act.

Dean John Fomiatti was charged with making bomb threats. Picture: Facebook

• Coronavirus cases rise across Cumberland, Parramatta
• Pemulwuy Children’s Centre mum tests positive
• Goodbye Albion Hotel, hello high-rise

A man accused of hoax bomb threats at Windsor Rd, Northmead, will be taken to a mental health facility to determine which course the courts will take.

Police allege Dean John Fomiatti stopped his ute at Windsor Rd at the James Ruse Drive overpass at Northmead on Sunday between 4.40am and 9.20am.

The 50-year-old allegedly told police he had an explosive device, prompting the rescue and bomb disposal and tactical operations units to descend on the arterial roads.

Dean Fomiatti has been sent to Cumberland Hospital for assessment. Picture: Facebook

After negotiators spoke to the man, he surrendered and was arrested and taken to Castle Hill police station, where paramedics checked him.

Police seized several items from the scene but none were explosives.

Fomiatti, from Nelson in the Hills, was charged with conveying false information that a person or property is in danger, and was denied bail.

At Parramatta Local Court today, Fomiatti and his lawyer appeared via audio visual link.

Fomiatti’s lawyer asked his client to be assessed under section 33 of the Mental Health Act.

Magistrate Robyn Denes said she was “surprised he wasn’t taken there by police under a (section) 22”.

Under that section, police can take a person who appears to be mentally ill or disturbed to a mental health facility.

“He previously had matters of 33 but not for some time,’’ Ms Denes said.

She ordered him to be taken to Cumberland Hospital today.