Father, 50, was in a 'drug induced psychosis' when he sent parcels laced with asbestos he'd pulled from the walls to embassies
- Father posted dozens of asbestos-filled packages to embassies in Australia
- Savas Avan posted 52 packages to foreign diplomatic offices across the country
- He was sentenced to one year behind bars in the County Court on Friday
- Court documents said that each package contained 'a quantity of asbestos'
A father who posted dozens of asbestos-filled packages to embassies and consulates across the country was in a 'drug induced psychosis' and thought he was helping firefighters.
Savas Avan, 50, posted the 52 packages in January this year to foreign diplomatic offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, while suffering a 'brief episode' of a cannabis-induced psychosis.
On Friday, he was sentenced by the County Court of Victoria to one year behind bars.
Savas Avan (pictured), 50, posted the 52 packages in January this year to foreign diplomatic offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra
Court documents outline that each contained package 'a quantity of asbestos' and that he was 'reckless as to the danger of serious harm'
However, he has already served about eight months in jail after he pleaded guilty to a single charge of sending dangerous articles in the post.
Judge Michael McInerney said Avan's motivation was 'bizarre', believing that sending the parcels 'would in some way assist the firefighting abilities' of various foreign nations.
He noted Avan was diagnosed with a temporary drug-induced psychosis and moved in February from the Melbourne Assessment Prison to an acute psychiatric unit for treatment.
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Avan was released from hospital in March, with doctors declaring he had 'no enduring mental issues'.
An epidemiology expert deemed the parcels, which included asbestos tiles or fibres, had a 'low risk of harm'.
'In actual fact, there was no injury caused by such behaviour as fortuitously none of the packages were opened,' Judge McInerney said.
On Friday, he was sentenced by the County Court of Victoria to one year behind bars
He said any dealings with asbestos were dangerous and carried a 'patent public risk', but accepted Avan was not aware his drug use could cause such a psychosis or affect his rationality and self-control.
However, he said the embassy and consulate employees suffered 'distress and concern' when dealing with the parcels and being directed to wear masks, wash their hands, remove their clothes for testing and visit their doctors.
Judge McInerney also noted Avan's lack of relevant prior criminal history, his reputation as a hard worker and references from loved ones confirming his 'otherwise unblemished behaviour'.
A father who posted dozens of asbestos-filled packages to embassies and consulates across the country was in a 'drug induced psychosis' and thought he was helping firefighters
He also refused an application by prosecutors that Avan repay 'clean-up' costs, including a $97,992 bill from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.
'As I understand it, that's simply an employment cost of persons utilised. Given the economic situation of Mr Avan, the practical nature of such an order is really of nil value,' he said.
'Despite recognising the excellent work that was put in and no doubt the costs involved, I suppose like many issues involving the mentally ill in our community, it seems to me that cost is something the whole community has to bear.'
He declined Avan's lawyer's request for immediate release, instead ordering the labourer spend another four months in jail.
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