A man accused of ploughing his car into Mudgee Police Station allegedly told police that's what he was going to do.
A man accused of ploughing his ute into Mudgee Police Station, in New South Wales' central west, allegedly told police that's what he was going to do.
A court today heard retiring police officer Detective Senior Constable Scott Whale, with four decades on the force, was allegedly Donny Hobbs' main target.
The 67-year-old grandfather was already well-known in town, most recently for a protest tethering his horse outside Mudgee Police Station.
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Now, he's accused of smashing his Land Cruiser into the building during a send-off for the decorated cop.
He could potentially face a massive jail sentence, after being slapped with multiple charges including destroying/damaging property with intent to endanger life.
Hobbs could serve up to 25 years behind bars if convicted.
A court heard Whale, who was due to be farewelled from the force with a march out, was the main target of his alleged animosity.
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When Hobbs was told to leave the station yesterday afternoon, he allegedly said "I'll be back when I drive through the place".
Police say ten minutes later, he drove at two officers as they were patrolling on foot along Market Street, Mudgee, at about 1.30pm.
Officers attempted to stop Hobbs but he allegedly failed to follow police directions and left the scene.
He's then accused of driving at a third officer in front of the station, before crashing through the front wall of the building.
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It's then he allegedly falsely claimed to be covered in cyanide.
Nine News understands officers immediately ran out, pinned the driver to the ground and took him into custody.
The crash was said to be so loud it was heard by locals at the nearby pub.
A crime scene was established and an investigation has commenced.
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It was incredibly lucky no one was injured, especially as a member of the public was sitting inside the front of the station at the time.
If the crash happened a bit later in the afternoon, there would have been up to 50 police officers standing in that space for the march out. The march out was still able to go ahead as planned.
Police allege Hobbs had numerous prior dealings with Whale and that this was a targeted attack.
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Hobbs was later charged with:
- Destroy/damage property with intent to endanger life
- Use etc offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence (two counts)
- Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
- Custody of knife in public place - subsequent offence
Hobbs was denied bail and tonight remains in custody.
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