Homeless Albury man later warned frightened woman he had 'knives in a bag'

The ex-partner was at home but did not hear the comment, which on being re-told by the child put her in extreme fear.

Scott Anthony Wall was at the unit on February 16 for a contact visit with their four children.

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The couple separated just four days earlier.

Albury Local Court has heard the woman later allowed Wall to stay with them for a few days, but when that time was up he refused to go.

Police said that as she tried to persuade him to leave, Wall warned he had "knives in his bag".

This put her in such fear that she immediately left her own home and later, reported the incident to police.

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Defence lawyer Mitchell Irwin has told magistrate Richard Funston that his 32-year-old client had begun addressing his mental health and illicit drug issues.

"It's a struggle and he hasn't quite got there yet," Mr Irwin said.

"Mr Wall has indicated to me his kids are his life."

The court was told that Wall and his ex-partner had been together for 16 years and been married for about two years.

They had been involved in "a number" of domestic violence incidents that had not been reported to police.

When police had been called, the woman would only say that there had been "verbal arguments".

They separated on February 12 and Wall moved out of their home.

She then allowed him access to the children at her home on February 16 between 11pm and midday.

It was during this visit that Wall made his "neck your mother" comment to his eldest, who told the ex-partner the following day.

Wall contacted his ex-partner on February 27 to ask if he could come around to spend time with the children and then stay for dinner.

When he arrived, he asked if could stay until the Monday, March 1.

She agreed, but made it clear he had to go by then. When she told him to go on the Monday about 11am.

He was "belligerent" and refused. Wall then made his "knives" in his bag comment, which he later denied to police.

"No, I said I had it in my pocket because her cousin had been threatening to bash me."

Mr Funston placed Wall on a 12-month community corrections order.

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