Leon Sofilas, Adam Moule denied bail over alleged attempt at firebombing Newtown Synagogue

A man accused of attempting to firebomb a Sydney synagogue has allegedly been gang raped twice in custody and nicknamed ‘the Nazi’, after ‘word got out he was a white supremacist’, a court heard.

A man accused of attempting to firebomb a Sydney synagogue was allegedly gang-raped twice while in custody, after ‘word got out he was a white supremacist’, a court has heard.

Leon Sofilas, 37 of Camperdown fronted Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, charged with destroying or damaging property in company, destroying property in company using fire, and knowingly displaying by public act Nazi symbol without excuse.

Sofilas has pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

On the same day, co-accused Adam Moule, 33 also fronted court charged with destroying property in company using fire, destroying or damage property in company, possessing suspected stolen goods, and cultivating a prohibited plant.

He is yet to enter a plea.

Leon Sofilas, 37, is arrested after an alleged attempt to set fire to Newtown Synagogue. Picture: NSW Police.

Police will allege just before 4:30am on January 11, Sofilas and Moule attempted to set fire to the Newtown Synagogue, which was also allegedly spray painted with Nazi symbols.

Two separate bail applications were held for both Sofilas and Moule on Thursday, both of which were unsuccessful.

Several red swastikas were allegedly graffitied across the front of the place of worship. Picture: Jeremy Piper

The police prosecutor appearing in both matters, said the prosecution case against both Sofilas and Moule was strong.

“The offenders have been identified, they have been tracked coming and going to the crime scene from their residential place of premises on CCTV, they have been captured committing the offences on CCTV,” he said

Defence solicitor Steve Mav, who was appearing for Sofilas, alleged his client had been the victim of two “serious sexual assaults” on separate occasions while in custody.

On the first alleged occasion earlier this month, Sofilas was assaulted by a group of four inmates who entered his cell, before being transferred to a different block, the court heard.

Two men have now been charged over the attack on the Newtown Synagogue. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

On the second alleged occasion, a group of seven inmates entered Sofilas’ cell and assaulted him, the court heard.

Mr Mav said his client was “too traumatised” to provide further detail, but stated he was “seriously concerned” for Sofilas’ safety, who was being targeted by other inmates.

“To say he is traumatised is an understatement, he is scared and fearful, hence the urgency of the release application,” Mr Mav said

“Somehow word got around he was a white supremacist. he was nicknamed Nazi.”

Mr Mav also questioned the strength of the prosecution’s case, stating “We strongly dispute the facts put forward by police”.

When reading from a police fact sheet, Magistrate Greg Grogin described the alleged offending as “abhorrent”.

“The random nature of this offence is of great concern to the court and no doubt to the community,” he said

“To be alleged to have conducted an attack on a place of religion in such a way places the court in such a position that risk to the community must be high,”

“The offences for which he has been charged are alleged to have occurred. 4am and 5am under the cloak of darkness, they would appear therefore planned, the degree of planning goes to the risk of committing further serious offences.”

Both Sofilas and Moule will remain in custody on remand, and their matters will return to court on April 3.