A Frustrated artist who planted a fake bomb outside the National Gallery of Victoria will spend three months behind bars. Colin Douglas Barnett, 46, of Cranbourne North in Melbourne's southeast, pleaded guilty in the Victorian County Court to one count each of creating a bomb hoax and causing a public nuisance, and two counts of making a false report to police.Barnett placed a clay vase-shaped sculpture, which he called a peace bomb, outside the gallery and contacted police to report a suspicious package.
Judge Leo Hart today jailed Barnett for 15 months, with 12 months suspended for 15 months. He said it was a “bizarre” case and that Barnett had the dual aim of getting recognition for his work and sending an anti-terrorism message.
“You're an artist and believe yourself to be a good artist,” Judge Hart said. “You believed that you had not been given the recognition that your work deserved and you sought to rectify this.”
Judge Hart said Barnett's motives were not malicious but his behaviour was stupid and reckless. He ordered Barnett to pay $6319 compensation to the police.
Police were forced to close a section of busy St Kilda Road when the package was discovered by gallery security staff.