THE escaped psychiatric patient who has been charged over a 12-hour siege in Bunbury used a spear gun and chain on his hostage, a court has heard today.
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David Charles Batty, 53, appeared via video link in Perth District Court and Bunbury Magistrate’s Court this morning on charges related to last week’s incident in Bunbury and another incident in Perth in 2012.
He faced charges of armed robbery, deprivation of liberty, statements creating false apprehension as to the existence of a threat or danger and acts causing bodily harm or danger.
Mr Batty allegedly took Peter Williams hostage just after 6pm on Thursday and held him at Lucianna Park on the Leschenault Inlet.
The siege came to an end early on Friday morning when police fired two non-lethal rounds at him and arrested him, shortly after he released his Mr Williams.
It has been revealed that Mr Batty allegedly used a speargun to threaten Mr Williams and partially choked him with a chain.
In 2012, Mr Batty held his 79-year-old father hostage in a car in King’s Park and used a gas bottle and lighter to threaten police.
Mr Batty is seeking a four-week adjournment to appear in Stirling Gardens court on August 19.
