Ali El-Jamal charged after Greenacre public shooting
A LeBron James jersey and fingerprints in a car allegedly link a young man to a brazen daylight shooting in Sydney’s southwest, in which a car with a newborn inside was sprayed with bullets.
The Express
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Police will allege a Lakers jersey bearing basketballer LeBron James’ number links a man to a bungled public shooting in Sydney’s southwest in which a car with a newborn inside was sprayed with bullets.
Bankstown police responding to reports of gun shots at Welch Ave in Greenacre just after 3pm on December 28 last year found damage consistent with shots being fired at a vehicle and empty bullet casings.
Police allegations read in part by Justice Peter Garling at the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday indicate a man was later seen on CCTV attempting to shoot someone identified only as a “Victorian man”.
“Through ineptitude, the Victorian man was able to get into the Mazda and drive off,” Justice Garling said.
The State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad investigating the incident under Strike Force Terrol arrested Ali El-Jamal on June 7.
Police will allege El-Jamal, 25, was a passenger in a car which fled the scene after the shooting, with his fingerprints found in the subject vehicle.
He was subsequently charged with attempting to assault someone and intending to rob them while armed with a dangerous weapon, being an accessory after the fact to a firearm being fired, and participating in a criminal group.
His co-accused Ahmad El Hares has been charged with assault with intent to rob while armed with a dangerous weapon, firing a firearm at a dwelling place with a disregard for public safety, participating in a criminal group and driving while suspended.
El-Jamal appeared at the NSW Supreme Court to apply for bail on Tuesday.
The Crown opposed bail citing potential risks to public safety and fears El-Jamal might flee after the court heard he booked a one-way flight to Lebanon and left the day after the shooting.
The court heard the Crown stakes its case against El-Jamal partly on CCTV showing a man wearing a purple Lakers basketball singlet with LeBron James’ number on it.
El-Jamal’s luggage allegedly contained an identical singlet when his bag was searched upon his return to Australia in April.
But El-Jamal’s solicitor Ertunç Özen rubbished the case against his client and noted El-Jamal is not alleged to be the shooter.
“The link between these very serious allegations and the applicant is weak,” Mr Özen told the court.
“The Crown has been given an opportunity, if there is some link, to establish it – the case primarily relies on identification from CCTV … the evidence linking this applicant to the offence is not strong.”
Justice Garling read from police documents that El-Jamal allegedly went to the Victorian man’s Mazda and attempted to open the door but was unsuccessful.
“As the Mazda drove away, a shot was fired at the vehicle, striking the lower half of the front passenger door and narrowly missing the driver or passenger,” Justice Garling said.
“Two further rounds were fired as the vehicle drove away and the applicant left the scene (before) he was observed removing his cap and T-shirt which revealed him to be wearing a purple Lakers-branded singlet with a six on the front and rear.”
Justice Garling said the application caused him “a significant degree of difficulty”.
“This is an applicant with no serious criminal record, who has spent no time in custody, who within hours (of the alleged offence) was able to activate his instinct to flee,” Justice Garling said.
Ultimately the court granted El-Jamal strict bail on home detention-style conditions.
He must report to Bankstown police twice a day, and is not to leave home unless accompanied by his mother and only to report to police, attend court or legal appointments, or for medical treatment.
He is also forbidden to consume alcohol or drugs except those prescribed by a doctor, to approach any point of international departure, or use any encrypted apps or devices.
His parents have also submitted $300,000 as a surety to guarantee his attendance at court.
El-Jamal’s matter returns to court on October 11.
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