Police allege Illawarra man Jason Marskell threw Molotov cocktail at mum and stepdad

A man warned his mother she was “lucky” after he allegedly threw a makeshift incendiary weapon at her, a court has heard.

Jason Marskell appeared via AVL in Wollongong Local Court.

Wollongong Local Court has heard how a man‘s alleged threat against his mother “could have been a far more serious incident”.

Jason Marskell appeared in court on Wednesday via video link after being charged with intimidation and destroying or damaging property earlier this week.

The court heard the CCTV at a shop in Dapto allegedly captured the 22-year-old purchasing a bottle of methylated spirits shortly before he showed up at his mother and stepfather‘s address.

The bottle was allegedly fashioned into a Molotov cocktail, however, the fabric wasn't successfully ignited with police prosecutor Sergeant Tanya Pavlin telling the court “the facts sheets disclose it could have been a far more serious incident if things had gone another way”.

Marskell allegedly said to his mother “I don't care what I’ve done, I’ve got nothing to live for”, and “you’re lucky that’s all I’ve done”.

Sgt Pavlin told the court the Illawarra man did not have an “extensive record”, but voiced concerns it was ”growing at a considerable rate” given he was on bail at the time for ”similar” alleged offending.

The court heard the makeshift incendiary weapon wasn't ignited. Picture: Unsplash

Marskell pleaded from the video booth that he had been a victim of abuse as a child, exclaiming “now I‘m in f***ing cuffs, where was my protection as a child?”.

Registrar Tina McKenna said she believed there was “other options available other than full-time imprisonment” and opted to grant the man bail.

“The allegations are quite serious and potentially life threatening had it gone a small bit of a different way,” Ms McKenna said.

“He has a small criminal history and, even if he is convicted, there are alternatives open to the court other than full-time imprisonment.”

Ms McKenna ordered Marskell comply with the apprehended violence order in place with his mother and stepfather.

He is also barred from entering Dapto unless travelling on a train or in a vehicle on the Princes Mwy, and he must advise Lake Illawarra Command of his address within 48 hours of his release from custody.

Marskell will face Port Kembla Local Court later this month.