Ashley Walter Neal faces Rockingham Magistrate’s Court accused of planning Perth killing spree

A man’s plan to massacre 20 people in Perth and then turn the gun on himself was thwarted after his daughter dobbed him in, a court has been told. Ashley Walter Neal, 65, who told Rockingham Magistrate’s Court he felt “as sane as I was 40 years ago”, adamantly denied the allegation when he appeared via video link from Hakea Prison. Mr Neal was also charged with being an unlicensed person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of unlawfully obtained property and cultivation of a prohibited plant. Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Mick Fallows said a report had been made to Crime Stoppers on February 1 which alleged Mr Neal had threatened to travel up to Perth and kill 20 people and that he was “saving the last bullet for himself”. Police went to Mr Neal’s Parmelia address on February 3 and allegedly found a .308 calibre shotgun and 15 rounds of ammunition. Mr Neal was arrested and told police he had the gun “because of the way the world was going”. Police allege he knew the gun was stolen when he bought it. Sen. Sgt Fallows said he was unsure who had made the police report. But Mr Neal’s lawyer said she had spoken to her client’s daughter and understood it was she who had made the claim. She said her client had told her he had bought the gun 15 years ago to protect himself, it was now rusted and potentially unusable, and that Mr Neal was somewhat of a “hoarder” and owned thousands of records worth a lot of money, which he was worried someone would steal. She also said he had the gun because he had seen news reports of elderly people being assaulted in their homes and wanted to feel safe. But he had no intention of using it to commit mass murder. His lawyer said Mr Neal’s daughter was no longer on speaking terms with her father but Mr Neal had a son who was willing to look after him should he be granted bail. A mental health report, ordered on Mr Neal’s prior court appearance, came back outlining no immediate concerns. Sen. Sgt Fallows said police were still opposed to bail, unless home detention with tracking could be arranged. Magistrate Stephen Wilson said he agreed the allegation was “concerning” and that a home detention report was needed before bail could be considered. Mr Neal has been remanded in custody and will appear again on April 30. Lifeline 13 11 14