Sergeant Donaghy told Bathurst Local Court that a full-time custodial sentence was the only option for Alex Kassiotis, who pleaded guilty to two counts of contravene an AVO and intimidate police.

Kassiotis’s solicitor, Tim Cain, had earlier told the court he was seeking a lengthy Section 12 Bond (a suspended sentence) for his client. He said his client had suffered an extremely problematic childhood, and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

“There is no denying my client has a colourful record, with a high amount of intimidation matters,” Mr Cain said.

He said Kassiotis had difficulty controlling his anger but that it was rare his client “took that extra step”.

“To place him in full-time custody is of no benefit to this man or to the community.

“With the right guidance I believe he could become a positive member of the community.”

But Sergeant Donaghy strongly opposed a suspended sentence, saying Kassiotis needed to be jailed. “There is no alternative than full-time custody,” he said.

Sergeant Donaghy said Kassiotis’s threats had terrified his victims. “This court offered the victim its protection to stop his [Kassiotis] conduct and behaviour, and he’s breached these orders twice,” he said.

“What about the victims? He threatened to kill or take serious actions to destroy their family and surrounds. These victims get up every morning locking their cars and windows wondering what’s going to happen to them.”

Mr Donaghy noted Kassiotis had already served full-time custody for matters of violence, and said it’s not always about what’s best for the defence.

“It can’t always be how do we fix the problem,” he said.

“How do we protect the victim? He’s already breached the AVO.

“He must go to jail for a lengthy period of time.

“If the court makes an order prohibiting contact and if contact is carried out it needs to be dealt with severely.”

Magistrate Jan Stevenson adjourned sentencing on the matter until today.