Shiloh Morgan Derick Viti charged with violent armed robbery, deprivation of liberty

A man who was barely one month into his release on bail is accused of being involved in a violent armed robbery and kidnapping where he allegedly ordered the victim to remove his clothes.

Shiloh Morgan Derick Viti appeared via videolink in Mackay Magistrates Court

A Mackay man who was barely one month into his release on bail is accused of being involved in a violent armed robbery where he allegedly ordered the victim to remove his clothes.

But the man’s lawyer has argued there was no evidence suggesting his client was directly involved in the alleged offence, as he pushed for new bail.

Shiloh Morgan Derick Viti is charged with armed robbery with actual while in company, deprivation of liberty and assault causing bodily harm while in company at West Mackay on January 6.

He appeared via videolink in Mackay Magistrates Court where lawyer Phil Moore made a freedom bid for Mr Viti, who was in a show-cause situation – meaning the onus was on him to prove why he should be released on bail.

The court heard Mr Viti had previously failed to appear in court five times and had already been on bail – having only been released in December 2024 to an address in Bowen – when the latest alleged offending occurred.

Police have alleged Mr Viti and someone else were involved in the violent armed robbery, and it is further alleged Mr Viti ordered the victim to “take your clothes off”.

But Mr Moore argued there was no fingerprint evidence linking his client to any vehicle, clothing or scissors.

The court heard the victim had identified Mr Viti because he had met him some weeks ago at a party.

Mr Moore told the court his client has instructed he has never met the man.

Mr Moore said “I accept absolutely the possibility of my client being guilty under the part provisions”.

He argued another man had been the principle offender including holding the weapon.

“My client’s direct involvement … allegedly, the only thing he’s said to this man is ‘take off your clothes’,” Mr Moore said.

“And then the man got those clothes back.”

But Magistrate Dwyer said it was alleged Mr Viti’s involvement was stronger, including driving a vehicle from a motel out to Balnagowan.

Mr Dwyer said it was further alleged there were attacks on the victim in the vehicle.

“My client says he’s never met this person,” Mr Moore said.

“This gentlemen is the single alleged witness of this alleged offence, he has significant motive to say that my client was involved.”

Mr Dwyer said there was another alleged witness, however Mr Moore said this person did not identify his client.

Mr Dwyer said they were very serious allegations involving violence, a weapon being used and a robbery, and that Mr Viti had a long history of breaching bail and failing to appear.

He found the evidence against Mr Viti was strong and he was not satisfied Mr Viti would appear in court or not commit further offences.

Bail was rejected and the matter was adjourned until later March for committal mention.