AN ALBURY man has had his gun licence returned despite telling a psychologist he was “so angry I could become a mass murderer”.
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Vladi Vargovic had his gun licence suspended in July 2015 and revoked last March amid concerns about his psychological state.
Vargovic – a keen target shooter and hunter – was frustrated with his former employer and in extreme pain following a workplace back injury.
He sought out psychological help to deal with his issues.
But the concerns raised in the therapy sessions were enough for the doctor to contact the police amid fears for Vargovic’s mental state.
Dr Gregory Dale said Vargovic made statements in July 2015 that “could be interpreted as his intent to use firearms to cause harm to others”.
Vargovic was found to have severe anxiety, which Dr Dale said could cause people to see threats and danger in unlikely situations and react using any means available.
In August 2014, Vargovic said he was angry enough to undertake a mass murder and “could understand why people do that”.
He saw another psychologist after his guns were taken, hopeful of a favourable report so they would be returned.
But that psychologist said he wasn’t keen to write such a letter.
Dr Dale saw Vargovic 10 times and the psychologist said he believed his client’s mental state was getting worse, not better.
Psychologists can tell police if they are concerned a client poses a threat to themselves or the safety of the public.
But Vargovic denied making any threats to harm others and recently told the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal his WorkCover case had been finalised.
He will be paid 70 per cent of his wage until retirement age.
He also said he had never harmed himself or others.
NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal senior member Kay Ransome noted Vargovic had never been diagnosed with a mental illness or been diagnosed medication for anxiety or depression.
She said he had no history of violence or intimidation.
“Mr Vargovic had a difficult time dealing with the pain from his injury, his financial circumstances and refusals by the insurer to permit surgery,” Ms Ransome said.
“He admitted to levels of anger and frustration which affected him.
“Mr Vargovic’s circumstances have now changed.”
She reinstated his licence.