Updated || Fresh information in case of man accused of threatening PM

A DEFENDANT charged with making threats to the prime minister online has been denied entry to the courthouse for refusing to wear a mask while Tamworth is in the midst of lockdown.

Robert John McDonald is accused of using social media to make threatening comments towards Australian government officials.

The 59-year-old was expected to represent himself in Tamworth Local Court on Wednesday, but the proceedings were held up.

Commonwealth prosecutor Marc Olea appeared via video link when magistrate Julie Soars told him there was a situation unfolding at the front doors of the courthouse.

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Sheriffs checked whether the accused had an exemption for not wearing a mask indoors before he was turned away, police prosecutor Sergeant Matt Pawsey said.

"The sheriffs have confirmed Mr McDonald is not being permitted entry because he's refusing to wear a mask," he said.

Ms Soars adjourned the case to next month when things "might have settled down and we don't need to wear masks".

McDonald has been on bail since his arrest and the conditions were continued.

The court heard the Commonwealth prosecution authority, the CDPP, intended to drop the allegation that McDonald used the internet to menace, harass or offend between 6.30am and 7am on December 11, last year, in South Tamworth.

The allegation has not yet been withdrawn.

McDonald had previously denied a charge of cultivating a prohibited plant, which will now be dealt with in the local court.

The Fixated Persons Unit raided a Hillvue home in January, where police claim a number of electronic devices were seized for forensic examination.

Police allege three cannabis plants were also seized.

McDonald is accused of using Facebook to post online threats to members of parliament, including the prime minister, late last year.

The case was adjourned.

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