Anthony Lofitis charged with intimidating Caringbah South mate with axe

A builder who police allege used an axe and scissors to scare his south Sydney housemate during a physical altercation has appeared in court.

Anthony Peter Lofitis, 36, appeared in Sutherland Local Court charged after allegedly using a wooden axe and scissors tp intimidate his housemate in Caringbah South last month. Picture: Facebook

A builder has been refused bail after he allegedly used an axe and scissors to intimidate his housemate.

Anthony Peter Lofitis, 36, appeared in Sutherland Local Court on Monday where he made a second bid for release on bail after his arrest over the domestic incident last month.

In documents tendered to court, police allege Lofitis armed himself with a wooden axe and scissors and intimidated his housemate in Caringbah South about 1am on November 13.

Lofitis was charged with armed with intent to commit an indictable offence and committing an offence while having a previous conviction.

Documents said the Caringbah South man was convicted of commercial drug supply in December 2018.

In court, Lofitis’ lawyer James Howell said his client’s circumstances had changed from when he made his first bail application last month.

Mr Howell submitted the prosecution case against Lofitis was weak, he had not received medical attention while in custody, the brief of evidence had not been served, Lofitis’ parents could provide a $5000 surety and he could abide by other strict bail conditions.

Mr Howell said the allegations would be defended and there were “two sides of the story”.

He said Lofitis was allegedly with his two housemates and girlfriend sitting around a fire on the night of the incident, where an axe was used to chop wood.

Anthony Lofitis’ case will return to court later this month.

Mr Howell said according to Lofitis’ version, when an alleged physical altercation occurred between Lofitis and his housemate, Lofitis threw away the axe.

The lawyer submitted Lofitis was allegedly attacked by his housemate and assaulted when a beer bottle was smashed on Lofitis head.

A police statement of facts noted Lofitis had sustained a laceration to the back of his head and required hospital treatment.

The housemate has not been charged in relation to the allegations.

“There are clearly competing versions of events,” Mr Howell said.

The court heard when police arrived, the housemate made an immediate complaint to police.

Mr Howell conceded his client was on bail at the time, but for an unrelated charge of contravening an apprehended domestic violence order, adding the allegations were not pre-planned.

He said the only matter of violence on Lofitis’ record was a common assault charge in 2011.

The court heard Lofitis had strong family support from his parents, grandmother and partner.

The police prosecutor opposed bail noting there was an unacceptable risk to the community and Lofitis had previously breached court courts.

Magistrate Brett Shields noted Lofitis had a history of violence and noncompliance with court orders.

He said extensive strict bail conditions were proposed, but noted if convicted of the offence, Lofitis would likely face full-time custody.

Mr Shields refused to grant bail and ordered Lofitis must receive medical attention.

The case will return to court on December 20.