MARTIN Nicholas Russell was nabbed by police after a foot pursuit in Lavington on Thursday and later allegedly threatened a woman police officer, telling her the make of the vehicle she drives and which gymnasium she attends.
But in Albury Local Court yesterday Russell proclaimed his innocence when facing a series of charges, including intimidation of the officer.
“It’s like I am a bad person. I am a gentleman,” Russell told magistrate Tony Murray as three Corrective Services officers kept watch.
“I have been shafted, your honour.”
Russell, 35, of East Albury, made an application for bail, but it was rejected with sentencing pending next Wednesday for a matter.
Police upgraded an assault charge against Russell yesterday after an incident last October in East Albury.
He punched another man in the left eye, causing serious damage and was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Mr Murray advised Russell, who represented himself, that a fresh charge of causing grievous bodily harm had been laid by police.
The victim sustained a fracture to bone beneath his eye, which was reconstructed with titanium, mesh and one screw.
Russell was convicted of the assault at court on February 19 and a warrant was issued for him.
It is alleged he breached an apprehended violence order by contacting the mother of his former de facto partner on February 9.
Police saw Russell walking along Breen Street at Lavington on Thursday and knew he had outstanding warrants.
Russell made his escape through the Centro Lavington car park, with police running after him.
Security in the shopping centre told police a man was seen running through the food court and into the toilet under the management office.
After a short search, Russell was found in the men’s toilet.
It was back at the station that he told a woman officer the make of her car, which gym she attended and said: “I will be watching you.”
Russell was yelling abuse and banging and punching the perspex cell door.
An apprehended violence order was taken out on behalf of the officer.
