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SYDNEY - A New Zealander who allegedly admitted to police that he "was going to kill" an 87-year-old World War II veteran in a road-rage attack in Sydney has been granted bail.
Martin Bruce Gamman appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Friday charged with maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and with predatory driving.
Police said Gamman, a truck driver on a "good behaviour" driver's licence, punched Thomas Golden, 87, repeatedly in the face after the cars they were driving bumped while merging into a lane at a Campbelltown intersection on Thursday.
Gamman, 33, of Campbelltown, allegedly told police, "I was going to f****** kill him but when I realised he was an old p***, I gave him a couple and then I left."
Gamman was driving with his girlfriend and son after shopping when he was forced to mount a Campbelltown roundabout to avoid a collision with a car driven by Mr Golden, police told the court.
Mr Golden, who served with the Australian Imperial Forces in the Middle East during World War II, had rammed his Hyundai into the driver's side of Gamman's silver sedan, forcing it into gravel beside Therry Rd, Campbelltown, Gamman told police.
Gamman then "snapped and chased after and stopped him", the police statement said.
Gamman allegedly told police he stopped Mr Golden from driving further by skidding in front of him "how police do it in the crazy police videos you see on TV".
Police alleged: "The accused stated that he started to punch the victim in the face, even though he realised the victim was in his 80s."
In the alleged admission Gamman would have continued to "belt the victim" if Mr Golden had not shouted.
Mr Golden received facial lacerations to his mouth and cheeks and remained at Campbelltown Hospital in a stable condition.
Gamman's lawyer said his client did not know Mr Golden, did not intend to contact him and had co-operated with police.
"There's a lot more that needs to be looked at ... essentially provocation issues," she said.
Prosecutor Nadia David told the court Gamman was "a violent man".
In granting Gamman conditional bail Magistrate Ronald Maughan said he accepted the allegations were serious and there "seemed to be some substance given" to Gamman's admission.
He must report daily to police and not contact Mr Golden. He is due to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on August 15.
AAP
