John William Phillips allegedly squirted kerosene on a man and had shot gun and explosives

A man has been accused of squirting kerosene on another man in a terrifying incident at a Gold Coast shopping centre.

A GOLD Coast man accused of squirting kerosene on a man in a shopping centre car park was allegedly armed with a shot gun and what appeared to be an explosive when police came to his home.

John William Phillips, 50, was granted bail after appearing in Southport Magistrates Court yesterday charged with assault on a person over 60, serious assault with intent, unlawful dealing with explosives and possessing a weapon.

Prosecutor Joel Sleep told the court a man in his 60s was in his car near Anaconda camping store in Nerang when Phillips approached, giving the finger on November 26 last year.

A verbal argument broke out and it is alleged Phillips went into Anaconda and returned with a bottle of kerosene.

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Mr Sleep said Phillips sprayed the man with the liquid including in his mouth.

Police located Phillips on Friday in Hope Island and Mr Sleep said Phillips pointed a shot gun at police.

It is alleged police also found a device which is believed to be explosive.

Mr Sleep said he told officers he had the device “in case people tried to hurt him”.

Defence lawyer Lisa Searing, of Allen & Searing Criminal Lawyers, said Phillips suffered a psychiatric illness which included hallucinations.

She said at both times of offending he had not been taking his medication.

“Even now he thinks the reason he assaulted the man in the car park was because he had tried to stab him,” she said.

Ms Searing said due to the coronavirus pandemic Phillips’ prescription had run out.

“He had blocked himself in his room,” she said, adding Phillips was willing to comply with conditions he take his medication.

Magistrate Pamela Dowse granted bail on condition Phillips live with a family friend in Southport, have a curfew, report regularly to police and see a general practitioner and take all medication prescribed.