David Van Der Sluis was charged with attempted armed robbery and bail breaches after the alleged incident outside the Wangaratta West Primary School on May 3.

Police allege Van Der Sluis approached the 14-year-old boy armed with a raised baseball bat and demanded his scooter.

The Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Thursday heard the boy said he could have it, but hid his phone. 

He ran off amid fear he would be hit and went to a friend’s house and contacted the police.

Officers arrested Van Der Sluis the following day and found a hoodie he had allegedly been wearing, a bike he had been riding and a baseball bat from his Irving Street unit.

The court heard Van Der Sluis admitted attending homes in the area with a bat to recover debts, but denied speaking to the victim or demanding anything from him.

“Police are opposing bail here today,” Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson said.

“We have concerns for the safety and welfare of the community.”

While Van Der Sluis denied the allegations, he did admit to being in the area at the time, Detective Senior Constable Thompson said.

It was an escalation of his behaviour, the officer said, and added that the alleged victim was concerned for his safety. 

The court heard Van Der Sluis, who had been in custody for 77 days after his arrest, had an ice addiction. 

Defence lawyer Geoff Clancy noted there could be lengthy delays to the matter going to trial. 

He was bailed to return on August 30.