By Aneeka Simonis
A BEACONSFIELD man who threatened to assault two emergency workers while out on bail for a separate armed threat has been spared jail time.
Shane Jefferson, 24, pleaded guilty to armed robbery, two charges of threatening an emergency worker on duty, committing an indictable offence while on bail as well as using and possessing a dangerous article, in the County Court of Victoria in July.
He received a recorded conviction and was placed on a four-year community corrections order.
The court heard in mid-February this year, Jefferson went to Foot Locker at Dandenong Plaza requesting to return a pair of worn sneakers.
The attendant refused to refund the cash, and told him to come back the next day.
At about 11.30am the next day, Jefferson came armed with a knife.
When he was told he could not have a refund, he said: “You’re messing with the wrong people, just give me my money.”
The attendant gave a refund, taking Jefferson’s name and address in the form of a receipt which was handed on to police, who arrested him at his home hours later.
Jefferson served 16 days in custody before being released on bail in early March.
Ten days after his release, Jefferson threatened to assault two Protective Service Officers (PSOs) patrolling the Noble Park railway station.
Jefferson was wearing a black balaclava and holding a piece of wood when two PSOs approached him at about 3.40pm on 13 March.
He threatened to self-harm, before running at the pair of them.
Jefferson then chased one of the PSOs, threatening to take his gun and hit him with the wood.
He then chased the other PSO who deployed OC spray, enabling them to restrain Jefferson before police arrived.
Police found a wrench and screwdriver on Jefferson during a body inspection.
He was deemed unfit for interview and released on bail.
The court heard Jefferson has suffered with mental health issues since a car collision in 2012.
He was said to have taken part in “extensive drug use” before the collision, and continued to use illicit substances after the crash.
Jefferson was ordered to a four-year community corrections order which includes drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
