Ali Fadel Fahad charged after alleged violent home invasion at Varsity Lakes

One of the men charged with carrying out a violent Gold Coast home invasion – allegedly while armed with a handgun – plans to fight the charges, a court has been told. FULL DETAILS

One of three men charged with carrying out a violent Gold Coast home invasion plans to fight the charges, with a court told he was identified solely through CCTV footage.

Ali Fadel Fahad faces several charges in relation to the alleged break-in at Varsity Lakes earlier this month.

They include grievous bodily harm, enter dwelling with intent by break using or threatening violence while armed or in company, and unlawful possession of a Category D/H/R weapon.

Police allege the 25-year-old was among a group of men who broke into a Regensberg Close home at about 8.15pm on November 11, where a man inside was allegedly assaulted.

It was reported at the time that the 36-year-old occupant was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Nikola Kataric, 32, and William Manuhu, 28, have also been charged in relation to the alleged incident. Their matters are before the Brisbane and Richlands Magistrates Courts.

Mr Fahad was remanded in custody before appearing in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday to apply for bail.

Defence barrister Damien Gates, instructed by Hannay Lawyers, said his client was only connected with the alleged offending by tattoos seen on CCTV footage, and that it was currently unknown whether any evidence would corroborate it.

Mr Gates said it was alleged Mr Fahad was armed with a handgun or something that appeared to be a handgun, but no shots were fired and no weapon had been recovered.

“At the moment it seems that even the acts alleged to have caused the grievous bodily harm may have been caused by those who are unknown, or may have been armed with pipes or bars,” he said.

“There’s no detail with respect to my client actually assaulting anyone.”

The bail application was opposed by police prosecutions, though it was conceded on their part that the current case was not strong but could see additional evidence provided.

It was alleged in court that CCTV cameras were disabled at the time the armed and reportedly disguised group targeted the Varsity Lakes home.

Magistrate Dominic Brunello said Mr Fahad – who had previously been convicted of violent offending – would almost inevitably receive a lengthy jail term if convicted, with any future jury’s decision likely to come down to the CCTV footage.

Mr Brunello ultimately granted the father of three bail, saying he denied the charges and had never previously breached bail.

“Let me make this abundantly clear – it’s going to be very, very onerous bail and whether you continue at conditional liberty will be determined by whether you comply,” Mr Brunello said.

Mr Fahad’s case is next listed for mention on December 17.

Originally published as Ali Fadel Fahad charged after alleged violent home invasion at Varsity Lakes