Alleged shooter ‘knew targets were Muslim’, court told

A father has heard police evidence for the first time after his 20-year-old son was shot and wounded in the street while wearing traditional Muslim clothing.

Shibly Mustapha said he attended Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday hoping to see the man accused of shooting his son in the back.

Brooklyn Te-Hake Henare Ruatara, 23, of Kingston, appeared via videolink from custody to apply for bail on three counts of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

The shooting allegedly happened in Underwood, south of Brisbane.Credit: Police Media

The shooting is alleged to have occurred at Underwood, south of Brisbane, just after midnight on Sunday.

Police prosecutor Thomas Melo said Ruatara’s fingerprint was found in a stolen utility vehicle that was seen by witnesses and CCTV at the scene.

“A Toyota Hilux sped past the victim and they heard loud noises consistent with gunshots,” Melo said.

“They observed a small black handgun protruding from the window with three loud bangs and flashes.”

Police in court documents alleged Ruatara shot Mustapha’s son, caused another person to suffer a minor injury and attempted to shoot a third person.

Melo said an undercover law enforcement participant had been placed in Ruatara’s cell when he was arrested.

“He asked [Ruatara] what gun he used in the offence. [Ruatara] stated ‘a .22 [calibre] firearm’,” Melo said.

“He stated he is Mongrel Mob [New Zealand-based gang] affiliated.

“He stated he knew the victims were Muslim as they were wearing dresses and he shot at the victims where he only hit him on the shoulder and the victims were still standing when he drove away.”

Melo told Magistrate Louise Shephard he was not alleging the offence was a hate crime at this stage.

Mustapha said outside court that police needed to find the motive.

“They must leave no stone unturned because there have been incidents of Islamophobia in the past,” he said.

Mustapha said his son was “doing well” and recovering in hospital after surgery to remove a bullet from his back.

“We are assured he is going to make a full recovery,” he said.

Ruatara’s solicitor Steven Erickson told Shephard his client wished to remain on bail and support his family while he sought treatment for autism, ADHD and bipolar disorder.

Shephard refused bail as Ruatara had been on bail for armed robbery and vehicle theft at the time and was accused of removing his GPS tracking ankle bracelet an hour before the alleged shooting.

“These are terribly concerning allegations against you. My view is there is a certain strength to the circumstantial case that is alleged.”

Mustapha said overall he was happy with Friday’s outcome.

“Bail wasn’t granted ... a massive relief, just instant relief,” he said.

Mustapha said his family had received much support from the Muslim community and from people of other faiths.

“There are people who are just concerned that this should not be happening in our Australian community,” he said.

The matter was adjourned to May 20 at Holland Park Magistrates Court.

AAP