Man faces jail for knife threats and marketplace scams totalling thousands
Jakob MacDonald admitted to threatening violence and defrauding buyers on Facebook Marketplace of thousands of dollars.
A Bendigo court heard that Jakob MacDonald sent a text saying "I'm dying to stab someone" along with a picture of a knife. MacDonald also ran a scam on Facebook Marketplace selling cars he didn't deliver.
MacDonald pleaded guilty to drug possession, driving while disqualified, and dishonesty offences spanning Ballarat and Bendigo. MacDonald tested positive for cannabis and methamphetamine at multiple traffic stops.
He was caught driving with expired registration and bald tyres. MacDonald told police the threats were not serious and he had no intention of acting on them.
One buyer sent him $350 towards a $2000 car purchase. Another paid $1450 for items before he cut all contact.
A magistrate warned he could face jail, especially for the text messages. Sentencing was adjourned to October 29.
- 'I'm dying to stab someone'
- Threat text
- October 29
- Sentencing date
- Four to five years
- Crisis duration
Why it mattersThe case shows how quickly online fraud and serious threats can escalate, and warns buyers about marketplace risks.
AustraliaAustralian Facebook Marketplace users are reminded of fraud risks, and Victorian courts are weighing serious assault threats alongside financial crime.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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