Bradley Michael Luke Glawson, of Keefe Close in Windradyne, is charged with making a bomb threat by phone against the Kelso industrial site shortly before 11.30am on Monday.

The factory was evacuated for an hour as emergency services searched the area and lost an estimated $250,000 as a result of the hoax.

Following a search warrant executed on Tuesday morning, Glawson was arrested and charged by police. He was refused bail until he appeared before registrar Mark Nicholls in Bathurst Local Court yesterday morning.

Glawson, 41, is also accused of sending a letter containing white powder to the same plant last month.

Glawson was clearly distraught as he was led into the court by police. He whimpered uncontrollably as he entered the dock in handcuffs, sobbing aloud: “I’m so scared”.

Legal Aid solicitor Fiona Sams represented the defendant, saying her client was seeking bail.

Ms Sams added that Glawson was not previously known to police and had no prior criminal convictions. He is facing charges of sending an article or item with intent to cause alarm, and of using a telecommunications device to threaten.

“My client is willing to comply with strict bail conditions,” Ms Sams said.

Sergeant Leanne Walsh said while the prosecution did not oppose bail, police had some “extreme concerns” in relation to the defendant.

“While he has no previous criminal record, we do have serious concerns about the continuation or repetition of these offences,” she said.

“We also have concerns about the mental capacity of the defendant. Therefore, we are asking that strict bail conditions are set.”

Sgt Walsh said police had built a strong case against Mr Glawson, with evidence from numerous witnesses, telephone records and the defendant’s own admissions.

She told the court the offence committed on Monday has had a “profound effect” on Simplot, as well as the emergency services involved in the operation.

“The defendant’s actions have cost Simplot somewhere in the vicinity of $250,000,” she said.

To comply with bail, Mr Glawson must not go within 500 metres of a Simplot factory, office or other premises, and must not contact or approach any Simplot employee or witness.

He must also attend a mental health facility within 24 hours of being released from custody for a mental health assessment. He must accept the assessment and comply with recommendations. 

Unless he is admitted to hospital for treatment, Glawson is required to report daily to Bathurst police station. Sgt Walsh also asked that surety be placed on the accused.

“We’re asking these conditions be set because of the seriousness of the offences,” Sgt Walsh said.

“The accused is being investigated by Victorian police regarding a similar offence committed in Victoria.”

In granting bail, Mr Nicholls noted that while both matters were serious, he was satisfied Glawson would attend court.

Glawson, who is currently unemployed but believed to be a former Simplot employee, sat in the dock nodding while his solicitor reiterated the terms to his bail. On being granted bail, the accused said: “thank you so much”.

Glawson will reappear in court on Monday.