A man who threatened to carry out a shooting at the University of Otago, targeting "rich medical students'', was huffing solvents at the time, a court has heard.
Richard George Te Awhiawhi Martin (38), appeared in the Dunedin District Court this week where he pleaded guilty to two counts of using a phone for fictitious purposes and speaking threateningly.
It had been more than a decade since the defendant had faced criminal charges, but Judge John Macdonald said his comments were "very disturbing''.
In the early hours of August 27, Martin was text-messaging a counselling service from his home.
When the counsellor asked him to explain his feelings of "happy and angry'', the defendant responded: "A random shooting on campus I shall lead the way!''
The professional asks for more details.
"My plans were stolen had a miniature map of the whole campus,'' Martin replied.
Defence counsel Sophia Thorburn said when viewed as a whole, the exchange came across as bizarre rather than truly threatening.
"A shootout on campus for I need their books of knowledge and food,'' Martin had continued.
When asked whether he was planning to harm someone he mentioned "rich medical students''.
A University of Otago spokesman said the Proctor's office was informed by police of the threat and was comfortable with their handling of the situation.
"Campus Watch are fully aware of the matter, and a trespass notice has been served on the subject by the university,'' he said.
Martin's behaviour got stranger the next day.
He called Westpac bank's 0800 number and was transferred to a Christchurch branch.
He left a "confusing'' message and the bank called him back.
Martin, who was still in his Dunedin home, told the staff member he was standing outside Noel Leeming in Riccarton and was watching her.
He swore at the employee and claimed to be a bank robber.
Police went to the defendant's house and arrested him.
Martin swore at his neighbours then told the female constable escorting him that he was going to "destroy her''.
On the trip to the station, the threats continued.
Martin told the officer he would make sure her children were bullied at school.
Mrs Thorburn said her client was consuming alcohol and "huffing'' solvents at the time but had since abstained from substance abuse.
Judge John Macdonald acknowledged the man's limited criminal history and treated the matter as ``an isolated outburst''.
Martin was sentenced to six months' supervision to address his drug and alcohol issues.
