Thomas Karras Vandermade, Masi Rooc, refused bail after allegedly shooting Big Kash

A man who allegedly shot another rapper during a drive-by has told a court he wants to get out of prison so he can “get back to his music career”.

A rapper accused of shooting a former bikie during an alleged drive-by in Sydney’s southwest in August has been refused bail despite telling a court he “just wants to get back to his music career”.

Sydney rapper Thomas Karras Vandermade appeared at Campbelltown Local Court via AVL while on remand on Monday dressed in his prison greens and signature gold chain.

The 29-year-old is accused of injuring fellow rapper John Lavulo, aka “Big Kash”, who was shot in his forearm and elbow inside his car as he and his girlfriend returned to their Lachlan St home at Warwick Farm at 9pm on August 8.

Sydney rapper Thomas Karras Vandermade goes by the name “Masi Rooc” for his music. Picture: Instagram.

Mr Lavulo, 33, drove himself to Liverpool Hospital for surgery after the incident while his 22-year-old partner was unhurt.

CCTV footage shown to the court on Monday shows the moment Mr Vandermade allegedly followed Mr Lavulo down a driveway of the Warwick Farm property.

In the footage, a man alleged to be Mr Vandermade, gets out of a red car and charges towards Mr Lavulo and his girlfriend, before allegedly firing a pistol into the car.

The court heard another vehicle had allegedly blocked the exit for the car that was being shot at.

Mr Vandermade, also a rapper known as “Masi Rooc”, was charged with attempted murder, discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and not disclosing the identity of a driver or passenger.

He was initially refused bail in August but appeared in court again on Monday, fighting the refusal.

Sydney rapper John Lavulo, otherwise known as ‘Big Kash’, drove himself to hospital. Picture: Facebook.

Sydney rapper Big Kash was allegedly shot in two places.

Mr Vandermade’s lawyer Tomislav Bicanic fought for the 29-year-old to be released from custody putting up a $100,000 surety and saying he was willing to wear an ankle-bracelet while living in Lithgow, two hours away with his partner who was present in court with alongside three other supporters.

Magistrate Shane McAnulty said Mr Vandermade had been with his partner for at least 12 months.

“She wants to take him under her wing and take him to Lithgow, and there’s suggestion he should be at liberty to pursue his music interest,” the magistrate said.

Mr Bicanic told the court his client was a “talented musician” who had signed a music contract in May last year.

Mr Bicanic also said the prosecution case was not strong as Mr Lavulo was refusing to make a statement as the alleged victim.

“Apparently the victim is saying he can’t give a statement because ‘In my circles and life you don’t do that’,” he told the court.

A representative for the Director of Public Prosecutions opposed the bail application, citing the lengthy possible jail term of 25 years in prison if Mr Vandermade is found guilty.

Vandermade during his arrest last year. Picture: NSW Police Force.

Magistrate McAnulty said he believes the prosecution case to be “strong” and refused bail. The 29-year-old is a known member of The OC gang, and has since spread to the suburbs bordering western Sydney in Mt Druitt.

The rapper had also released a single before the arrest called “Stick and Move”. Mr Lavulo wrote on Instagram the shooting made him more “mindful” of the people he kept around him.

He also compared himself to the fictional John Wick when describing the moment he was shot.

At the time of the shooting, Criminal Groups Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Robert Critchlow said police allege the shooting stemmed from rivalry between rap groups.

“The motive really sits around interactions between rap groups and those who see themselves as rappers. There’s been some public taunting between them for some time, utilising social media we will allege has resulted in the shooting,” Det Supt Critchlow said.

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