Bradley Howard: Campsie man allegedly made axe threats
A cyclist allegedly chomped through a man’s finger - bone and all - and spat it out in a terrifying attack. A court heard he also allegedly brandished two axes before being taken down by riot police.
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A wild confrontation on a Campsie street has left a man needing his finger reattached after it was allegedly bitten off by a drunk cyclist.
Police accuse Bradley Richard Howard, 51, of firstly threatening a business owner with two machetes after almost being knocked off his bike by the man opening his car door on Beamish St this past Sunday.
After allegedly removing the weapons from his bag and raising them over his head, Burwood Local Court heard on Tuesday, the business owner and relatives followed Howard to a supermarket car park, tackled him to the ground and began scuffling.
It is at that point, police allege, Howard bit the man’s finger clean off, including the bone and spat it out.
Police prosecutor Sgt Cettolin said in court the interaction was “highly unusual” and after the first altercation, when he was nearly thrown from his bike outside Woolworths, Howard was told to leave the area numerous times.
He is alleged to have returned a short time later and brandished the axes.
“Just go away otherwise we’ll call the police,” the men reportedly told Howard.
“Call the police then,” Howard is alleged to have replied and then raised the two large axes above his head, the court heard.
The court was told multiple members of the public had watched on in horror before the trio intervened.
The business owner has not been charged and is undergoing surgery at Bankstown Hospital to have the top of his middle finger reattached.
Howard was eventually arrested by riot squad officers after running from the melee.
He has been charged with possessing cannabis, intent to cause grievous bodily harm, armed with intent to commit indictable offence, affray and common assault.
He is facing a potential maximum penalty of 25 years in jail if convicted.
His lawyer Robyn Richardson, arguing for release, said whether or not Howard was acting in self defence after he was followed and tackled would be a point of contention.
“He should have left,” Magistrate Lisa Stapleton said.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in the same court later this year.
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