Lakvir Singh: Truck driver bailed over alleged Seven Hills bashing

A truckie who is alleged to have badly bashed a man with a crowbar has been bailed by a magistrate as he is needed to help ease the Covid essential supplies crisis.

A truckie alleged to have bashed a man with a crowbar has been freed on bail because he’s needed to help with the supply shortage caused by Covid.

A magistrate said Lakvir Singh would be released given his role as a truck driver during “these extraordinary times”.

The court heard Singh, 33, is alleged to have bashed a man over the back of the head with a crowbar in an attack at Boomerang Place, Seven Hills on October 16, 2021.

At Blacktown Court on Wednesday Singh’s lawyer questioned the strength of the police’s case.

“There is no clear CCTV vision at this point in time that places Singh at the scene,” the lawyer said. “I submit this is a weak case.

“He is a truck driver and at the moment he needs to be out doing deliveries with the supply issues and shortages of truck drivers in the state.”

There are food shortage across the state due to the impacts of Covid. Picture: David Crosling

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Rowe disputed that the case was weak, providing details of the alleged incident.

“The facts say ... the accused lifted the crowbar and struck the complainant on the back of the head.

“It was a vicious attack. The victim provided police with a version of events and a description that is very detailed.

“The injuries he suffered required him to go to hospital.

“There are recent warrants in his criminal history and it is a strong case as there are six witness statements and the court can see hospital discharge papers as well as photographs and DNA evidence that is being processed, which we believe will confirm his involvement.

“So I submit that it is a strong prosecution case.”

Magistrate Vivien Swain told the court she believed there was a risk of Singh reoffending but noted the current supply shortage as a consequence of the Covid pandemic.

She said: “I agree there are a number of quite serious risks that the accused poses to the community, but in saying that I will grant bail for these reasons but there will be strict bail terms.

The case was heard at Blacktown Court (AAP Image/David Swift)

“The accused is a truck driver and his service is required in lieu of our current shortage of supplies.

“His role is critical to the community in these extraordinary times.

“The $20,000 forfeit on his bail I believe will act as enough of a deterrent to mitigate the risk of further serious offences.”

Singh is charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and stalk or intimidate intending to cause fear of physical or mental harm.

As part of his bail conditions he must not enter any international port of departure or leave the state of NSW, must not contact the complainant or witnesses, must report daily to Mount Druitt Police Station and will forfeit $20,000 if he fails to appear.

The matter will return to Blacktown Court on March 8.