Tongan Sam’s DNA on pistol may be from sock: lawyer
The former bodyguard to John Ibrahim, known as Tongan Sam, has denied possessing an unauthorised pistol — claiming his DNA could have been transferred onto it by a sock it was wrapped in.
The former bodyguard to John Ibrahim, known as Tongan Sam, has denied possessing an unauthorised pistol — claiming his DNA could have been transferred onto it by a sock it was wrapped in.
Semi Ngata, 61, was granted bail at Fairfield Local Court on Thursday after spending the night at Silverwater jail.
He is accused of possessing an unauthorised 12cm Bayard pistol, which was allegedly found wrapped in a grey sock inside the glovebox of a 2003 Nissan Patrol.
Police allegedly discovered the gun inside the car while pulling over a 26-year-old driver during a routine traffic stop in January. He remains before the courts.
The gun contained three live rounds in the magazine and one live round in the chamber, the court heard.
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During the successful bail application, Ngata’s lawyer Adam Williams entered a not guilty plea and said the DNA on the gun’s grip could have been transferred from the sock to the pistol.
“There’s no evidence to suggest any link to the applicant and that vehicle,” he said.
“The prosecution’s case relies exclusively on applicant’s DNA being matched to DNA on the pistol.”
The prosecution opposed Ngata’s application for bail and rejected Mr Williams’ characterisation of the case.
“It’s not a weak case, your Honour,” the prosecution said.
“There were four individual DNA profiles on the sock, there is only one DNA profile located on the pistol.”
They argued bail should be denied, alleging Mr Ngata poses a risk to the community’s safety.
Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis said the prosecution’s case faced challenges.
“The Crown’s case is not without its hurdles,” he said. “They are not insurmountable hurdles, but they are appreciable nonetheless.”
For the case to succeed, he said, it would need “DNA evidence and at least one item of guilt that is consistent with the offender”.
Mr Tsavdaridis granted Ngata’s bail application with strict conditions. They include curfews, drug and alcohol testing, the use of a single, approved mobile phone, the surrender of his passport and a ban on travelling interstate or overseas.
Ngata’s wife sat in the gallery during the court proceedings.
Ngata will next appear in Fairfield Local Court on September 7.
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