Man fined after holding axe during argument with neighbors
Andrew Mills, 56, appeared in court after an alcohol-fuelled argument where he held an axe while verbally harassing neighbors.
Mills had been drinking bourbon at a Wodonga home on August 31 last year when a heated dispute began with residents next door. Andrew Mills made a racist slur and told them "You wanna fight?"
while holding an axe. Andrew Mills's friend physically removed him from the altercation.
The Wodonga Magistrates Court heard the axe had been used for a fire rather than being brandished as a weapon. Mills has prior violence convictions but the magistrate noted he had improved his behavior over the past eight years.
The court heard it was fortunate nobody was seriously hurt during the incident.
- 56-year-old man from Culcairn
- Andrew Mills
- August 31 last year at Muir Court, Wodonga
- Date and place
Why it mattersThe case shows how alcohol and weapons combine to escalate disputes, even when the weapon was not explicitly used as a threat.
AustraliaLocal residents in regional Victoria are reminded of the serious legal consequences for behavior that frightens neighbors, even if physical harm does not occur.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
