By JESSE GRAHAM
A BELGRAVE resident has received a series of threatening letters after becoming involved in the debate regarding McDonalds in Tecoma.
Alan Coutinho-Hogan, who formerly ran in the Yarra Ranges Council election, received three letters containing threats – written on his promotional flier.
The latest letter, which was delivered on 15 March, warned Mr Coutinho-Hogan to “start looking over your shoulder” and called him a “coward” who “can only pick on women”.
“How many people do you know, four months after an election, still have a candidate’s pamphlet?” he said.
“I wouldn’t say it was a politically motivated person, but someone had three of them.”
Mr Coutinho-Hogan said that he had thrown the first two letters out immediately, but his wife had opened the latest while he was in hospital and felt intimidated.
He believes the culprits are affiliated with the No Maccas in the Hills campaign, as he engaged in heated debate with protestors on a Facebook page.
Mr Coutinho-Hogan said that, while he can choose to not eat at McDonalds, the fast-food giant went through due legal process to set itself up in Tecoma.
“I’ve just been arguing that McDonalds are a legitimate company,” he said.
“They applied legitimately, they went through legitimate process and received a permit – they’re entitled to open.”
Mr Coutinho-Hogan said that he didn’t want to go to the police about the letters, because he believed nothing would be done and criticised police handling of the No Maccas protestors.
However, Belgrave police Senior Sargent Doug Berglund said police officers are just following procedure.
“The reality is, there’s still a right to protest,” he said.
“I think there are tensions running high on both sides and our job is to make sure there’s no breach of the law.”
Snr Sgt Berglund encouraged Mr Coutinho-Hogan, or anyone in a similar situation to talk to police.
“We can have a look, review it and see what we can get out of it,” he said.
“He’s more than welcome to come, though it seems he’s already formed his opinion.”
