Two friends who claimed to belong to a terrorist organisation and made hoax bomb calls to hospitals, police and an airline have been jailed.
Raymond Lawson, 35 and Joseph Bucek, 40, on one occasion claimed they had planted a bomb that would blow up Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital.
When they threatened Singapore Airlines, one of its aircraft had to be fully searched in the air, the Victorian County Court was told on Thursday.
Judge Frank Gucciardo jailed the pair, but suspended a portion of their sentences, meaning they are expected to walk free from custody soon.
Lawson, formerly of St Kilda, and Bucek, formerly of Sydney, pleaded guilty to three counts of making a bomb hoax.
The court heard Bucek claimed to be a commander in the Australian Liberation Army, a fictitious terrorist organisation.
One of the threats included demands to authorities that they be given publicity on morning television, the court heard.
"These were really pathetic attempts at gaining some attention," Judge Gucciardo said.
After sentencing the pair, Judge Gucciardo issued a stern warning.
"You come back to this court with anything resembling the type of offence that you have committed in relation to these matters and you can expect to spend a long time in jail. Do you understand?" he said.
Judge Gucciardo jailed Bucek for one year, suspending four months of the sentence for 12 months, meaning he must serve eight months jail less the 238 days already served.
Lawson was jailed for 12 months, with Judge Gucciardo ordering he serve 252 days, with the remainder suspended.
Lawson must also undertake a 12-month community-based order.
- AAP
Jail for Aussie hoax bomb callers
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