A judge has called out the behaviour of a man who left a hoax bomb threat on a stranger's duffel bag at a Glendale bus stop as "appalling," arguing he "clearly" was not thinking rationally.
Anthony Craig McCallister, 64, was sentenced to a 10-month intensive correction order in Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, after he sparked a major emergency response and a five-hour lockdown on the morning of April 29.
Judge Stephen Olischlager was clearly unimpressed with McCallister's conduct, calling the facts of the case "disturbing".
"This has used up a significant number of public resources which could have been better utilised in saving lives and protecting people," he said.
"Instances like this can undermine people's sense of security in their local community, we live too often with threats of terrorism.
"Foolish is a poor description as to whatever was in your mind, because clearly nothing was in your mind of rational thought. It's simply appalling as far as conduct."
Police were called to a bus stop near the Stockland Drive shopping centre about 9.35am on April 29 after reports of an unattended and suspicious package.
The black bag had been left behind by a stranger who was waiting for a bus.
McCallister sat near the bag, which was full of books, before taking out a white marker and writing "bomb set to detonate 24/04/26 at 12pm, care of ISIS" on it.
CCTV footage shows McCallister approaching the bag, before the view is obscured, and then writing appears on the bag.
McCallister's defence solicitor Chris O'Brien said his client felt "stupid, ashamed and embarrassed" of his actions.
"He could not explain how stupid this was," Mr O'Brien said.
"He understands the seriousness of the offences, he wasn't appreciating at the time the consequences of his actions."
As part of the emergency response, the Rescue Bomb and Disposal Unit evacuated members of the public and placed the area into lockdown for five hours.
Authorities examined the bag, declaring the area safe and reopening it to the community about 2.30pm.
Police were able to track McCallister down after he used his personal Opal card to catch the bus from the scene.
He was arrested on May 5 at his home and taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with placing an article with intent to create a false belief of danger, which carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in jail.
Under his intensive correction order, McCallister will need to be supervised by Community Corrections, not commit any further offences, abstain from drugs and engage with mental health professionals.
