Sunshine Magistrates’ Court: Preston’s James Rance pleaded guilty after threatening to kill Melton housemates

A kiwi who moved to Melbourne to pursue a music career hit a sour note after a drunken bourbon bender led him to threaten to kill his two housemates.

Preston’s James Rance with his lawyer outside Sunshine Magistrates' Court on 06 September.

An aspiring childcare teacher from New Zealand told housemates he was feeling “homicidal” before threatening to kill them with a gardening tool after a drunken bender.

James Rance pleaded guilty to making threats to kill at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on September 9 following an incident at his former Burnside address.

Terrified housemates fled their home after an argument instigated by the 30-year-old escalated into full blown threats to kill them on March 12.

In court, prosecutors said Rance repeatedly told one housemate “I want to kill you”, and turned on the second and said “I’m feeling homicidal I might as well kill both of you”.

During the tirade, the Kiwi national grabbed a hook from a pot plant as he continued to swear and threaten the pair.

The housemates locked themselves in their rooms fearing for their safety before they left the property and contacted police.

When police arrived, their attempts to negotiate with Rance from outside with a PA system failed.

He eventually co-operated and came out voluntarily.

In his initial statements to police, he denied ever making the threats but admitted he was drunk, angry and upset.

In court, Rance’s lawyer Stephanie Caruso said he was overwhelmed after a housemate who previously said they had contemplated suicide, was distant and ignored him.

Ms Caruso said he had drunk multiple cans of Woodstock while listening to music loudly in his room before the confrontation took place.

She told the court he moved to Australia in 2018 to pursue a music career but had since undertaken a diploma of early childhood.

Magistrate Jennifer Grubissa was told he lost his job and working with children card after the offending and moved to Preston.

The matter was adjourned to 11 December for sentencing.