Centrelink Wollongong accused previously smashed its doors with hammer: court told
A man accused of causing a Centrelink office to go into lockdown has been involved in a previous incident, a court has heard.
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A man accused of dousing Wollongong’s Centrelink office has targeted the centre before, taking a hammer to its glass entry doors in 2018, a court has heard.
Akouete Sevi Peter Gbekou, 57, was arrested by police on January 16, after it’s alleged he took a jerry can of fuel into the Department of Human Services building on Burelli Street and splashed it over the carpet.
Gbekou was removed from the centre by a security guard, as worried customers evacuated the office and staff were placed into lockdown.
Police attended and located Gbekou nearby, where police will allege he was in possession of both matches and a lighter.
He was immediately arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station, where he was charged with possess article with intent to destroy/damage others property, destroy or damage property and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical or physical harm.
He was released on bail that evening, however an additional charge of enter building with intent to commit indictable offence was laid the following day,
Gbekou faced Wollongong Local Court on Thursday, where police argued he be taken into custody until the matter is finalised, due to the serious nature of the alleged offences.
Police prosecutor sergeant James Sala argued if Gbekou had the opportunity to light a fire on January 16, he had the potential to harm hundreds of people, given there are several office spaces above Centrelink.
He also argued that Gbekou seemed to have some type of “obsession” with Centrelink, after smashing the glass doors of the office with a hammer in December 2018.
While no conviction was recorded for that offence, he was placed on a conditional release order set to expire in April.
Gbekou’s defence lawyer argued while the allegations were “alarming”, his client suffered from a cognitive impairment, and would not be suited to time in custody given this issue, and the fact he cannot speak English well and requires an interpreter.
Magistrate Stoddart agreed with the defence, allowing Gbekou’s bail to continue. As part of the conditions, the 57-year-old is not to go within 50 metres of Centrelink’s Wollongong office. His roommate also had to sign a character reference, ensuring he would not let Gbekou near the office.
Gbekou is yet to enter pleas and will return to court next month.