Greenacre man granted bail over allegedly threatening grandchild with knife

A western Sydney grandfather who suspected his son of being unfaithful while holidaying in Thailand allegedly photographed himself holding a knife to his grandson’s head in a bid to bring the child’s father home, a court has heard.

The man allegedly threatened his grandchild with a knife

A Sydney grandfather who suspected his son of being unfaithful while holidaying in Thailand allegedly photographed himself holding a knife to his grandson’s head in a bid to bring the child’s father home.

The 51-year-old man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Parramatta Local Court on Friday charged with producing, disseminating and possessing child abuse material, one count of being armed with a weapon with the intention to commit an indictable offence and two counts of stalking and intimidation.

The court heard the Greenacre man lives with his adult son, who is currently holidaying in Thailand, leaving his two young children in the care of their grandparents.

While the son was overseas the court heard the family learnt of an incident involving “possible infidelity”, leading them to suspect him of cheating on his young family, the court heard.

The man’s son was holidaying in Thailand.

In response to this news it is alleged on December 11, the man held a knife to his three year old grandchild’s head and sent an image of this to his son, as a threat to make him return home to his family responsibilities.

The court heard the man had “strong community ties” and no prior criminal history, with his wife and father present for court proceedings.

Magistrate Robert Rabbidge described the case as “sad and unusual” and suggested further psychological assessment was required of the man.

“The family is obviously very distressed over the conduct of a father who acted in an outrageous way to bring his son back,” Mr Rabbidge said.

“But ultimately he must bear the consequences of his actions.”

He was granted bail on the condition he has no contact with his son or grandchild and reports daily to police.

The matter will return to Bankstown Local Court on January 18.