Man arrested over murder of Pasquale Barbaro accused of threatening gesture at witness

A MAN arrested overnight and charged with the murder of gangland figure Pasquale Barbaro is alleged to have pointed his finger like a gun in the Supreme Court a year ago as the killer of his friend was being sentenced for murder.

Abuzar Sultani allegedly pointed his finger like a gun at a witness in the supreme court over the murder of his friend Joe Antoun. Picture: CH 7

A MAN arrested overnight and charged with the murder of gangland figure Pasquale Barbaro is alleged to have pointed his finger like a gun in the Supreme Court a year ago as the killer of his friend was being sentenced for murder.

Abuzar Sultani, 27, known as “Abs” allegedly pointed his finger in imitation of a gun at the murderer of his friend, debt collector, Joe Antoun, 50, when the gunman was being sentenced in the Supreme Court in November last year.

Mumtaz and Farhad Qaumi are facing trial accused of being involved in the murder of Joe Antoun, 50, (pictured) who was shot dead outside his home. Picture: Supplied

The allegations have emerged this morning at the unrelated trial of two other men, Farhad Qaumi and his brother Mumtaz, charged with Mr Antoun’s murder.

The allegations also follow Sultani’s arrest yesterday for the murder of Barbaro who has also been accused at this trial of being involved in Mr Antoun’s murder.

Barbaro is the latest gangland figure to be shot dead, gunned down in Earlwood two weeks ago.

The gunman, known only as Witness L, who shot dead Mr Antoun outside his Strathfield home on December 16, 2013 is giving evidence at the trial claiming it was a contract killing and he had been ordered to carry it out by,Farhad and Mumtaz Qaumi, who lead a violent street gang Brothers 4 Life.

Farhad Qaumi and Pasquale Barbaro talk at a table just weeks after the murder of Joe Antoun.

Witness L, a former member of Brothers 4 Life, received a 60 per cent discount on his sentence for murdering Mr Antoun and other offences in exchange for giving evidence against the Qaumi brothers.

Under cross examination defence barrister John Stratton SC asked Witness L about seeing Sultani in the public gallery during his sentencing.

“Did you see Mr Sultani sitting in the back of the public gallery during your sentencing hearing?” Mr Stratton asked, “Yes,” Witness L replied.

“Did you say he pointed a finger at you like a gun?”

“Yes”

Abuzar Sultani was arrested in Olympic Park, Homebush yesterday in connection with the murder of Pasquale Barbaro. Picture: CH 7

The court heard Witness L had previously told a psychiatrist that he received death threats from the Rebels bikie gang.

It is understood Mr Sultani and Barbaro were bitter enemies and that animosity was further fuelled by the murder of Antoun.

The defence say Barbaro was behind Mr Antoun’s murder.

However the Crown say it was in fact Mr Antoun’s former business partner Elias “Les” Elias who requested the contract killing.

The trial continues.