Riverwood mechanic Jorje Massoud charged with disqualified driving after ‘horrific’ gas explosion

A car mechanic who turned his life around after a gas explosion left him with permanent facial scarring and blackout-inducing pain said his future is at risk as he fronts court.

Jorje Massoud, 49, of Riverwood, appeared before Parramatta Bail Court (pictured) after police allegedly found him driving while disqualified and under orders to remain at home.

A car mechanic who turned his life around after a gas explosion left him with permanent facial scarring and blackout-inducing pain said his future is at risk as he fronts court.

Jorje Massoud, 49, of Riverwood, appeared before Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday after police allegedly found him driving while disqualified and under orders to remain at home on January 13.

About 1pm, Massoud was allegedly spotted by police driving a black Holden Maloo R8 on the M5 Motorway at Riverwood, agreed police facts reveal.

Massoud, who works out of his home as a car mechanic, needed a part from Bunnings for a repair job, his lawyer said, and had allegedly decided to drive as he was unable to afford a taxi.

The charges come only three years after Massoud was left fighting for his life in hospital after a gas explosion.

Parramatta Local Court.

His lawyer told the court Massoud had undergone more than “three dozen” surgeries since the incident, and suffered pain so severe it caused him to black out multiple times a day.

Appearing via AVL, Massoud was seen in custody at Surry Hills Police Station with his eyes closed while sweating precipitously, which his lawyer said was a long-term result of the injuries.

In applying for bail, Massoud’s lawyer said Massoud was at risk of becoming institutionalised should he be made to remain behind bars on remand.

“He’s trying to be an industrious person in society,” Massoud’s lawyer said.

“But, the past keeps haunting him.”

While a representative of the police prosecution agreed the “horrific” gas explosion accident was significant, he argued Massoud’s poor driving history predated the incident.

Massoud was in a coma at hospital following the explosion when a warrant was issued for his arrest in relation to driving matters, the police prosecutor said.

Magistrate Andrew acknowledged the current charges did not infer the driving was in any way dangerous, only that Massoud should not have been on the road.

Nonetheless, in granting bail Mr Andrews ordered Massoud to remain at home.

He would not be permitted to leave, even for work purposes.

Massoud is due to reappear in court on April 11.