Milad Jafari accused of Hindley St stairwell gang rape

The first of six men accused of the Hindley St gang rape has been unmasked, with a court refusing to extend his anonymity for “fairness”.

The first of six men accused of the Hindley St stairwell gang rape can be publicly identified – despite pleas to extend his anonymity out of “fairness”.

Milad Jafari, 24, of Kensington, faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday by video link from custody.

His identity was suppressed, last month, to allow SA Police time to conduct identification procedures with the two young women who were allegedly sexually assaulted in the incident.

On Monday, a police prosecutor told Magistrate Nick Alexandrides those procedures had been conducted and finalised for all six people charged.

However, she argued the suppression order on Mr Jafari should remain in force regardless.

“There’s an issue in that Mr Jafari’s adult co-accused currently have suppression orders on their identities until March,” she said.

“Should this order be finalised today, the other three will still have suppressions and there may be an issue of fairness.”

Mr Alexandrides replied: “Fairness in what sense?”

“The basis for this order was to ensure the proper administration of justice in terms of the identity procedures – if that issue has passed, what potential is there for unfairness?” he asked.

“If the identity procedures are complete, that’s all I need to hear – I propose to discharge the suppression order.”

Milad Jafari, 24, of Kensington, who is co-accused of the Hindley St stairwell gang rape. Jafari faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday by video link from custody. Picture: 7NEWS Adelaide

Previously, police alleged Mr Jafari was one of seven men who took part in the gang rape of two women in the stairwell of the Hotel Plaza carpark in December.

Six people – four adults and two youths – were subsequently charged with sexual offending.

A seventh person, also a youth, was charged with offering one of the alleged victims a $4000 bribe, on behalf of one of the adult accused, in order for her to give false evidence.

That youth was not charged with rape, however.

On Wednesday, an SA Police spokeswoman confirmed no more suspects were being sought, and that “all parties involved have been arrested”.

Following his arrest in December, the then 23-year-old was denied bail after police alleged his criminal history involved prior violent offending that occurred in a stairwell.

At the time, Mr Alexandrides suppressed publication of the man’s identity, pending the completion of police identification procedures.

In subsequent hearings for the co-accused, however, lawyers claimed video of the incident raised “questions of consent” and may provide “a complete defence” to the charges.

Several of the co-accused were released on bail as a result.

Clubhouse Lane entrance to the Plaza Hotel Carpark from Hindley Street. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

On Monday, Jason Evits, for Mr Jafari, asked the suppression on his client’s identity remain until he and his co-accused faced court together in March.

“I’ve received no declarations from the prosecution, I’ve only received a copy of the allegations,” he said.

“I’ve heard through the media that there’s video of the incident but I’ve not seen it and have heard nothing from counsel for any of the co-accused.

“I understand the prosecution has a copy of some vision but I don’t know the extent of it.

“Fairness, in the circumstances, would dictate the suppression continue until March.”

Mr Alexandrides disagreed.

“I haven’t heard anything so far that would persuade me to allow the order to continue until March or any other date,” he said.

“The suppression order in relation to this matter will be lifted and is discharged.”

He remanded Mr Jafari in custody until March.

Originally published as Milad Jafari accused of Hindley St stairwell gang rape