BRYCE James Wilson, who triggered an eight-day manhunt that locked down parts of Maitland last year has pleaded guilty to a number of charges but denies he was armed with a firearm when he went to a property at Thornton. Wilson, now 28, of Metford, is accused of going to a property on Pepler Place on August 1 last year armed with a pistol and police said he poured petrol from a jerry can over the front door and threatened to set the house alight. He fled police and ran into bushland, triggering a massive search operation that included the NSW Police Dog Unit and PolAir.
Wilson appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to using an offensive weapon with intent to intimidate, intimidation and threaten to damage property but not guilty to possession of an unauthorised firearm.
He applied for bail, but it was refused by Magistrate Stephen Olischlager who cited what appeared to be a strong prosecution case.
Wilson will appear in Newcastle District Court in July to get a trial date.
