Craig Sansbury-Weetra faces Adelaide Magistrates court over alleged Hindley Street attack on Jordan Dodd
Jordan Dodd’s mother was overwhelmed as a magistrate made their decision on bail for the man accused of leaving him in a critical condition.
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The man accused of coward-punching Jordan Dodd on Hindley St has been refused bail - relieving Mr Dodd’s sister and partner, and overwhelming his mother.
Craig Sansbury-Weetra faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday in a short, tense and emotionally-charged hearing watched by a capacity public gallery.
Court sheriff’s officers stood in the centre of the gallery, separating the Dodd and Sansbury-Weetra families, while SA Police were stationed around the court precinct.
Mr Sansbury-Weetra, who appeared by video link, put his head in his hands as Magistrate Christopher Smolicz said his alleged offending was too serious to warrant any form of bail.
The decision came as great comfort to Mr Dodd’s sister Jaymia, who flew in from Melbourne following the incident, and his partner, Dakota Leo.
“I’m so grateful for the fact he’s been denied home detention because this (alleged offence) is disgusting,” Ms Leo said.
“It’s appalling that something like this has happened... it could have been avoided.
“We’re just beyond grateful we got the outcome (in court) we could really only hope for.”
Ms Dodd said her brother remained on life support but was “doing really well”.
“They (doctors) are trying everything they can to try and make him Jordan again,” she said.
“Right now, we are just having prayers... it’s step-by-step and we will be there every step of the way.
“Until today I’ve not left his side... I’ve been at his bedside telling him ‘I’m here, you are going to be all right, you are a fighter, you will always be in my heart’.”
Mr Dodd’s mother - who sat separately in court from the rest of his family - repeatedly cried “my boy” during the hearing.
She collapsed outside the courtroom, and sheriff’s officers helped her outside to an ambulance.
Mr Sansbury-Weetra, 23, of Clearview, has yet to plead to one count of causing serious harm to another person with the intent to do so.
It is alleged that, on Sunday morning, he felled Mr Dodd, 20, with a single punch to the head, then stomped on his chest and ran off.
On Monday, police told the court the men had clashed not only earlier that night, but also on August 3 outside The District nightclub.
Mr Dodd was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and, at the time of Mr Sansbury-Weetra’s first court hearing, could not be successfully roused from sedation.
On Friday, counsel for Mr Sansbury-Weetra said a home detention assessment report had found his proposed residence unsuitable, but he nonetheless pursued his client’s release bid.
Magistrate Smolicz said that was “an unusual step” and refused bail, saying home detention reports were “ordered for a reason”.
“I’ve had the opportunity to view the CCTV footage,” he told Mr Sansbury-Weetra.
“It’s clear footage and its relevant, and it certainly suggests a strong prosecution case.
“Importantly, the alleged victim has suffered life-threatening injuries and is, I understand, on life support at this time.
“Having regard to the seriousness of the offence, I refuse the application for bail.”
He remanded Mr Sansbury-Weetra in custody to face court again in November.