A MAN remains behind bars after he allegedly threatened a federal police officer who was providing security to Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce as he travelled on a highway near Tamworth.
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Pedro De Pakas, 52, fronted Tamworth Local Court via video link from the Armidale police cells in northern NSW on Tuesday when an application for his release was denied.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Rebecca Skivington opposed bail and said the "very serious" allegation had been referred to the Commonwealth prosecuting authority, the CDPP.
"The prosecution has concerns in relation to the protection of the wider community and other politicians as well," she said.
Sergeant Skivington submitted to the court that De Pakas had seen Mr Joyce pulled over on the side of the highway near Moonbi on Friday, did a u-turn on a 100km per hour road, and stopped near Mr Joyce.
She alleged De Pakas then "threatened serious harm" to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) officer who was providing security to Mr Joyce, the member for New England.
Defence solicitor Yvonne Phillipos told the court De Pakas disputed the police claims about what allegedly happened.
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She said he was suffering with significant health issues and needed medical attention.
She told the court part of the concerns were that De Pakas believed the federal government were doing great wrong and were trying to harm him.
She submitted De Pakas' health problems would make his time in custody more onerous.
Ms Phillipos told the court the federal election campaign had featured heavily in the media recently, including a man who "had a go" at Prime Minister Scott Morrison while he was in Newcastle.
"It puts people at risk, it's not the way to express a political view or purpose," magistrate Julie Soars replied.
De Pakas offered extremely strict bail conditions, including to essentially be under house arrest at his Ebor home.
Ms Soars noted the health concerns and the fact that the police allegations were disputed, but said she had to refuse bail.
It puts people at risk, it's not the way to express a political view or purpose.
- Magistrate Julie Soars
De Pakas has not entered a plea to the single charge of threatening serious harm to a Commonwealth judicial or law officer.
The matter was adjourned to Tamworth Local Court in late June.
De Pakas was arrested by officers from Operation Wilmot - the operation set up to ensure safety of candidates during the federal election - on Sunday following an investigation into the alleged roadside incident.
Police claim De Pakas verbally threatened the AFP officer and adopted a "fighting stance" during the alleged stoush.
De Pakas appeared virtually in Tamworth District Court later on Tuesday, where he had a separate matter before the court.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
