Man charged with assaulting Marrickville hairdressers hours after daylight barber shop shooting

Fetaiaki Tupoulahi allegedly punched two barbers in the face after Friday’s double shooting in Marrickville. The barbers were allegedly attacked as they waited to give police statements.

Blood can be seen on the wall of the Marrickville barber shop where a double shooting occurred on Friday. Pictures: News Corp

A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting two barbers moments after an attempted gangland hit in their salon in Sydney’s inner-west last Friday.

Fetaiaki Tupoulahi allegedly punched the two barbers in the face as they waited outside Marrickville Police Station to give statements, barely an hour after a balaclava-clad gunman burst into Adel’s Salon on busy Marrickville and opened fire.

The attack saw brothers William, 33, and Eric Siale, 20, shot, the former in the buttock and back, and latter in the chest.

Tupoulahi, who is understood to know the Siale brothers, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and faced Parramatta Local Court on Saturday where he was refused bail.

“About 2.45pm on Friday (7 July 2023), two men, aged 30 and 23, were standing outside Marrickville Police Station on Despointes Street, when they were approached by a man who allegedly punched both men in the head and face,” NSW Police said in a statement.

A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting two barbers moments after an attempted gangland hit in their Marrickville salon last Friday Picture: NCA NewsWIRE, Monique Harmer

William Siale (pictured) and his younger brother Eric were shot by the balaclava-clad gunman. Picture: Nathan Schmidt

“Nearby police arrested the 27-year-old man (Tupoulahi). He was taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

“The injured men were taken to hospital for treatment of facial injuries.”

Tupoulahi will remain behind bars on remand until his next court appearance on Wednesday, July 26.

There is no suggestion Tupoulahi was in any way involved in the shooting.

The brazen attack of William – who was known to have links to the Bandidos bikie gang – and his brother Eric came little more than a week after the execution of Comanchero OMCG heavyweight Alen Moradian in Bondi Junction.

While Moradian’s killing will be investigated by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, detectives from the Criminal Groups Squad have taken charge of the Marrickville shooting under Strike Force Orsino.

Blood on the wall of Adel’s Salon after the shooting. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE, Monique Harmer

NSW Police State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad are investigating the shooting. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE, Monique Harmer

In recent days strike force detectives, along with Raptor Squad officers, have carried out compliance checks and knocked on the doors of more than 25 bikie gang members and associates in Sydney, as well as down in Wollongong and up in Katoomba.

The acting boss of Criminal Groups Squad, Glyn Baker, said police would continue to crackdown on bikie gangs after the latest act of very public aggression.

“Whether through vehicle stops, door knocks, or compliance checks – our best detectives are on this case, relentlessly pursuing leads to find those responsible,” Det Acting Superintendent Baker said.

“We are working closely with Raptor Squad to ensure that while inquiries are being made, OMCG associates continue to feel the insistent pressure from police.

“As our investigation continues, we are urging anyone who many have any information to contact police.”