Mt Annan man accused of detaining victim in Macquarie Fields
A Mt Annan man accused of detaining a person to steal funds from their bank account earlier this month has briefly appeared at Campbelltown Local Court today.
A Mt Annan man accused of detaining a person to steal funds from their bank account earlier this month has briefly appeared at Campbelltown Local Court today.
Jacob Kofe, 24, appeared by audio visual link in relation to the charge of take or detain person in company with intention to take advantage, which allegedly took place on June 6.
Officers from Campbelltown Police Area Command allege the 24-year-old, in the company of two unknown men, stole $780 from a victim he had detained in Macquarie Fields.
It was revealed in the bail hearing that Kofe had been released from prison shortly before the alleged incident.
He was arrested yesterday and taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he is alleged to have damaged a NSW Police-issued phone.
He was issued an extra charge of destroy or damage property less than or equal to $2000.
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Kofe made several phone hand gestures to his four supporters in the courtroom during the bail application hearing, with Magistrate Shane McAnulty asking him on one occasion to remain silent.
His Legal Aid lawyer described the prosecution case as “very weak” and proposed bail with conditions including a 5pm to 5am curfew, reporting to police “as often as necessary” and a $1000 bail surety.
Police prosecutor Ms Parnell opposed the bail application, telling the court Kofe presented an “unacceptable risk to the community”.
She said it was a strong prosecution case.
Mr McAnulty said it was a “strong circumstantial case”, referencing CCTV footage obtained by police, which allegedly identifies Kofe while the victim was detained in a motor vehicle.
Kofe was formally refused bail and the matter will return to Campbelltown Local Court on August 24.
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