Retired army veteran accused of firing golf ball at passing car
A 66-year-old retired veteran is granted bail after allegedly firing a projectile at a car near his home in country Victoria.
A retired army veteran, Murray Matthews, 66, has been granted bail after being accused of firing a golf ball at a passing car and possessing an explosive device in Victoria's north. On October 29, Matthews was arrested following an incident in the town of Numurkah, where he allegedly fired a bead blaster at a car driven by 19-year-old Oakley Austin and his friend Tyson Gray.
Matthews was also found in possession of an improvised explosive device, cannabis plants, and various weapons during a search of his home on October 31. The Shepparton Magistrates Court heard that Matthews admitted to making the explosive device with a pipe during an interview. The prosecution argued that the firearm and explosive charges were serious, but Matthews' defense lawyer cited his significant health and mental issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, and his current counseling from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Matthews was granted bail with conditions, including not contacting witnesses, not possessing firearms or explosives, and not buying a bead blaster.
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