Car turned out to be dud, so man made threats to the seller

Tyron Venturato Sweet, Wodonga magistrate Peter Dunn said, was lucky he wasn't facing extortion charges and appearing in the higher court.

Mr Dunn labelled the 21-year-old a bully and a "keyboard warrior" over his actions.

Sweet drove from Wodonga to Bulleen in Melbourne to pick up a Mitsubishi Pajero on February 1.

Questions were raised with the seller about the air conditioning and oil level, and the victim said Sweet could return the car if it was faulty.

After finding several issues with the Mitsubishi, Sweet demanded cash.

He sent multiple messages to the victim in March.

He asked for $700 and the victim said he would send $350 and send more the next day.

Sweet continued to ask for cash and asked the man when his salary was coming in before trying to call him

He then sent a string of abusive messages.

"I'll burn your car to the ground, bash you and spray paint all over your house," one said.

Another called him a "f---ing idiot" and warned "make sure you lock the doors you stupid ----".

"Stupid f---ing Sri Lankan dog".

He said he would break the man's legs with a baseball bat and "shove it up his a---".

"I'm going to burn your house to the ground you stupid f---," another message said.

The victim said he would pay the cash by the end of the week, followed by further messages by Sweet towards the end of March.

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The man reported the matter to police in Heidelberg and Sweet was interviewed by investigators in Wodonga on March 29.

He said he and his mate had been ripped off as the car was leaking oil and had cancelled registration.

Lawyer Angus Lingham said his client was unemployed at the time and drinking alcohol, as well as using marijuana.

Mr Dunn said studies showed the threat of violence could be far worse than actual violence as it caused people to live in fear.

"He's a bully, is he not?" he asked.

"He's a keyboard hero, a keyboard warrior?

"He's a racist and a bully.

"He should be ashamed of himself."

Mr Dunn imposed a $3000 fine without conviction.

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