Kenneth Orcher accused of threatening pregnant woman and sparking Boxing Day police lockdown
A Mildura man allegedly smashed a door and threatened to kill a pregnant woman on Christmas Day before a dramatic Boxing Day police lockdown led to his arrest, a court has heard.
Mildura
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A Mildura man allegedly smashed down a front door and threatened to kill a pregnant woman with a broomstick, sparking a dramatic police lockdown that ended with his arrest on Boxing Day, a court has heard.
Kenneth Orcher, 32, appeared in Mildura Magistrates’ Court seeking bail on multiple charges, including aggravated burglary with intent to assault.
Dressed in a black singlet and shorts, Mr Orcher sat with his arms crossed throughout the hearing.
The court heard Mr Orcher arrived at the victim’s house around lunchtime on Christmas Day and tried to force entry after the victim told him to leave.
After being rebuffed, he allegedly smashed down the front door, intimidated the victim with a broomstick, and threatened to kill her.
Police alleged he threw paint across the house and broke down another door before leaving.
Once the matter was reported, police launched a search and found Mr Orcher at Henderson Park on Boxing Day.
He allegedly fled, jumping fences to evade capture, before being found in a front yard after police locked down the neighbourhood, the court heard.
Mr Orcher was allegedly in possession of knives, methamphetamine, and knuckle dusters when he was arrested.
The court heard the alleged victim was terrified at the thought of Mr Orcher receiving bail.
His lawyer, Hugh Middleton, argued bail conditions, including a static address curfew and police reporting, could mitigate any risk of further interference.
However, Magistrate Russell Kelly ruled Mr Orcher posed too high a risk to the alleged victim’s safety and welfare.
“Therefore, your bail application is refused,” Mr Kelly said.
Mr Orcher’s next appearance is slated for a committal mention on March 26.
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