Wangaratta man Trent Newman faces court for threatening to bomb a bank

A Wangaratta man who threatened to blow up a Westpac bank branch after money was deducted from his account has faced court.

A Wangaratta man who threatened to blow up a bank has been told he needs to learn to control his anger.

Trent Newman called a Westpac Bank branch in March 2021, demanding to speak to the person in charge after discovering $105 had been deducted without his knowledge, the Wodonga Magistrate’s Court heard.

The 23-year-old then threatened to bomb the bank, saying he would “blow up the place”.

Later, after still being unhappy with the bank, Newman walked into the branch.

He threatened employees to return his money before toppling over a table on his way out.

Newman pleaded guilty to two charges relating to the incident.

Magistrate Peter Mithen, in sentencing, criticised Newman’s decision-making skills.

“It‘s not fair to the bank employee,” he said, adding Newman needed to learn to control his anger.

“We all get angry.”

Newman, who joined the hearing via video link, told the court he was a changed man.

“I am now working with a behavioural specialist. I am living a happy life,” he said.

Newman was fined $600 and had a conviction recorded.