Solomon Tefera Woreta has compassionate bail request denied

The man ensnared in a citizen’s arrest after a allegedly being involved in a terrifying baseball bat robbery in the western suburbs had to have part of his skull removed in the aftermath.

A man’s family who were seeking compassionate bail in order to see their severely injured family memberaccused of a terrifying robbery have been denied.

But the court heard that family member, Solomon Tefera Woreta, had only just gotten off parole for an identical charge at the time of the allegations.

A family member of Woreta, 37, of Parafield Gardens, was in the Adelaide Magistrates Court as his counsel, Aaron Fornarino, made the application on the charge of aggravated attempted robbery.

Woreta did not appear, the same as last week when he was first charged, with the appearance again conducted as a “bedside hearing” – typically reserved for those who are seriously injured or mentally unwell.

Croydon Restaurant Robbery owner Anita Singh, 42. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

Mr Fornarino told the court Woreta had to have part of his skull removed in the aftermath of the robbery and the ensuing citizen’s arrest.

“Mr Woreta is in a state where he can only repeat single words and he has no recollection of the event, he has no recollection of his mum or his brother,” he said.

He told the court police were investigating the cause of his client’s injuries, which were so far unexplained.

For the first time police allegations were heard in court.

Police say Mr Woreta entered Croydon Park’s Curry Lover Indian restaurant with a baseball bat demanding money.

The court heard he allegedly tapped the bat on the counter and told the restaurant’s owner to hand over cash before making his way behind the counter and continuing to make threats.

He then, the court heard, allegedly grabbed $80 from the till and threatened the two owners of the restaurant.

Police had previously issued a statement saying Mr Woreta’s injuries were “sustained prior to his arrest”.

Police attend the restaurant in the aftermath of the alleged theft. Picture: Agnes Gichuhi

Major Crime had been engaged in the case, with Detective Inspector Brett Featherby saying their involvement always followed a person potentially receiving “life threatening injuries”.

The Advertiser understands Mr Woreta was placed in an induced coma shortly after he was arrested as he had a fractured skull.

Mystery has continued to surround how Mr Woreta’s skull was fractured and police say they are not expecting to press further charges.

A Corrections Department spokeswoman on Monday said steps were being put in place to allow his family to see him, but it is understood they have yet not been able to.

A police prosecutor on Wednesday opposed the application given Woreta’s significant criminal history.

“This would indicate, having not long been out of prison, he is reoffending with some regularity,” he said.

Magistrate Simon Smart denied the application for bail, remanding Woreta to reappear in February.