Brett Buddle, Sky Bozinov charged with affray after ‘terrifying’ NYE brawl in Woonona

Two men were allegedly involved in a “terrifying” melee between neighbours that began when a firecracker was set off on New Year’s Eve in the Illawarra.

Brett Buddle was refused bail over his alleged involvement in a violent New Year’s Eve brawl at Woonona. Picture: Facebook

Several people were injured, and one man remains in intensive care with stab wounds, after a “terrifying” brawl broke out over an alleged firecracker dispute on New Year’s Eve in Woonona, a court has heard.

Brett James Buddle, 31, and Sky Nikola Bozinov, 40, faced Wollongong Local Court on Thursday where they were refused bail over their alleged involvement in the melee.

Police allege there was argument between two neighbours after a firecracker was let off, which caused distress to a dog.

A fight broke out between the parties, during which a man allegedly sustained a head fracture and was slashed and stabbed in the abdomen.

The man remains in intensive care.

Another man was stabbed in the arm when he was trying to help his friend who had been wounded in the abdomen, before Buddle allegedly hit the man with a plank of wood and broke his arm.

Buddle also allegedly hit a woman in the neck who was trying to prevent him from coming into the house.

Neither Buddle nor Bozinov have been charged regarding the stab wounds.

The court heard Bozinov, who was at a New Year’s Eve party at the Woonona address, allegedly went next door to wish the neighbours a happy New Year’s Eve despite animosity existing between the groups.

He allegedly returned to the house the next day, kicked the door in, and demanded $200 from the neighbours before leaving again.

Buddle was charged with affray, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in the company of others and causing grievous bodily harm to person with intent, while Bozinov was charged with affray and robbery in company.

Both men were refused bail in Wollongong Local Court. Picture: Steven Bell

In court, police prosecutor Sergeant Amelia Wall submitted police had a strong case against Buddle and Bozinov, with the neighbours allegedly identifying Buddle because they knew him, and footage from a taxi was close to “high definition” allegedly showing Bozinov at the scene.

She said both men were facing full-time imprisonment if convicted.

Defence lawyer Emel Ozer conceded the charges were very serious.

Ms Ozer said Buddle allegedly had alibi witnesses and was not involved in the affray from the beginning.

She said Buddle had a limited criminal history but was on an intensive corrections order imposed by Wollongong District Court last year for a charge of take and detain a person with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Ms Ozer said Buddle had successfully completed a three-month residential rehabilitation program for previous drug and alcohol issues, but had relapsed on New Year’s Eve.

The court also heard police found Buddle at his Woonona home with injuries to his wrists on January 1, and he was taken to hospital for treatment before they realised his connection to the alleged assault.

Ms Ozer said Buddle was an Indigenous man who had unresolved mental health issues and submitted he would be vulnerable in custody.

Meanwhile, Ms Ozer submitted Bozinov claimed he was also injured during the brawl, did not recall what happened because of the amount of people involved and denied the robbery charge.

Ms Ozer said Bozinov has a long criminal record of break and enters, but no violent offences since 2016.

Registrar Tina McKenna said the alleged assault was “no doubt terrifying”, noting the prosecution's case against both men appeared strong.

She took into account their criminal histories and the seriousness of the offences before refusing both men’s bail.

The matters were adjourned to January 9.