Craig Michael Thompson: Geraldton man accused of sending threatening messages to his ex-partner denied bail

A Geraldton man accused of threatening to put a bullet in his ex partner’s head and “set her house on fire” in a series of messages has been denied bail.

Craig Michael Thompson appeared from custody in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday charged with three counts of breaching protective bail conditions and one count of attempting to pervert justice.

The 29-year-old man did not enter pleas to any of the charges.

The court was told Mr Thompson and his ex-partner have two children aged seven and nine.

Prosecutor acting Sergeant Paul White said the ex-partner attended Dongara Police Station after Mr Thompson allegedly made a number of threats to her in a series of messages ranging from September 11 to 15.

Mr Thompson was subsequently charged and protective bail conditions were put in place on September 17.

That same day he is accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice by offering the victim $3000 to keep quiet and making further threats.

The disturbing messages read out to the court allegedly included, “would you prefer heads jumped on or a bullet in the head”; “I will set the house on fire”; “I won’t stop until I die”; and “I’m going to have fun before my miserable life is over”.

Sgt White said the alleged messages were alarming, as Mr Thompson showed he had “no regard for his own life and very little regard for his partner’s life”.

Lawyer Gregory Chin said Mr Thompson is employed as a cray fisherman and lives with his mother in Port Denison.

The court was told he had a very limited record which only included traffic offences.

Mr Chin said Mr Thompson now understood how serious the allegations against him are.

Magistrate Angus Hockton said the case against Mr Thompson regarding the pervert justice charge was a strong one and a serious example.

Taking these factors into account, Mr Hockton refused bail citing the strength of the case and the nature of the alleged threats.

Mr Thompson will reappear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on October 17 via video link.

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