Man accused of threats to kill, smashing windows in violent rampage at Tambellup store to remain in custody

A Tambellup man who threatened to kill staff members at a local business, and smashed shop windows with an iron bar after being locked out, has been remanded in custody at his first court appearance. Russell John Williams, 51, appeared in Albany Magistrates Court on Monday from police custody, facing 10 charges including threatening to kill, criminal damage or destruction of property, stealing, and possession of prohibited drugs and paraphernalia. All 10 charges stem from alleged offending on November 30 in Tambellup. Police prosecutor Sgt Gary Simpson told the court Mr Williams was accused of threatening to kill the owner of a Tambellup store as well as multiple staff members after he was locked out of the shop. He said Mr Williams threatened to kill the store’s owner during a heated confrontation, and eventually left the premises, only to return a short time later. Finding the store’s glass door locked, Sgt. Simpson said Mr Williams armed himself with an iron bar, smashing multiple windows around the building while continuing to shout abuse at the staff members locked inside. All three staff members involved in the incident gave witness statements to police, and the incident was also captured on CCTV. Mr Williams is also accused of burglary and stealing, as well as possessing cannabis and prohibited drug paraphernalia, and the full details of all his charges will be revealed at a later court appearance. Magistrate Dianne Scaddan noted Mr Williams had been handed a conditionally suspended imprisonment order at Katanning Magistrates Court on November 19, which the most recent alleged offences would breach. She said she did not consider Mr Williams a good candidate for bail, and ordered that he be remanded in custody to receive legal advice before his next appearance. Mr Williams will next appear in Albany Magistrates Court on December 3., with the appearance flagged for a possible bail application.