Andrew William Robertson, 57, escapes jail sentence for threatening to kill neighbours

A man who threatened to kill his neighbours and burn their house has narrowly avoided a jail sentence.

Andrew Robertson, 57, leaving the Geelong Magistrates' Court.

A Newtown man threatened to kill his neighbours and burn their house down because he “snapped” and “went crazy”.

Andrew William Robertson, 57, pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court on Thursday to assault, making threats to kill, wilful damage and assaulting emergency workers.

The court heard Robertson, who has been homeless since 2018, was staying at a friend’s house in Newtown and had been drinking on the morning of the incident.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Kiley Grey said about 10.30am on September 9, this year, Robertson became agitated with a neighbour who was working on his car in his garage.

Robertson approached the neighbour complaining about the noise and had his fists raised.

Constable Gray said a verbal argument broke out and then Robertson grabbed the victim’s broom and hit him in the face with the handle.

He then punched the victim to the nose, threatened to kill him and his wife and burn his house down. Robertson also threatened to get his bikie mates to “fix them up”.

The court heard the victim ran inside and called the police.

Andrew Robertson, 57, leaving the Geelong Magistrates' Court.

When the officer arrived and eventually spoke to Robertson, he continued to threaten both the victim and police.

“The accused said: “Pig, I will shoot you, I have a f---ing gun,” Constable Gray said.

Robertson then launched himself at the officer but was quickly taken down to the ground, and then transported back to the police station,

Robertson’s lawyer said his client had been drinking that morning and was “embarrassed and ashamed” of his actions.

“Something snapped and he went crazy, it was quite bizarre behaviour, quite erratic,” he said.

Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge strongly denounced Robertson’s behaviour and considered jail as an option.

“He attacked his next door neighbour and threatened to kill somebody for God’s sake,” Mr Lethbridge said.

“This was a serious threat to kill, which traumatised a 68-year-old … this sort of self-indulgent behaviour has consequences and must stop.”

Mr Lethbridge sentenced and convicted Robertson to a corrections order for 18 months, and assigned him 180 hours of community work.

If Robertson breaches his order he will have to serve three months in jail.

Originally published as Andrew William Robertson, 57, escapes jail sentence for threatening to kill neighbours