Bankstown: Jihad Hourani charged with stalking and intimidation, contravening AVO

An alleged repeat domestic violence offender accused of tracking his victim and texting threatening messages following his release from custody denied any wrongdoing after he told police she “takes everything personally”, a court heard.

Jihad Hourani Bankstown Court on Thursday.

An alleged repeat domestic violence offender accused of tracking a woman and texting threatening messages following his release from custody refused to admit any wrongdoing after he told police she “takes everything personally”, a court heard.

Jihad Hourani, 44, was arrested after police were called to a hotel on Waterloo Rd, Greenacre on Wednesday following reports of alleged domestic violence offences.

Hourani was denied bail at Bankstown Local Court on Thursday after Magistrate Shane McNulty argued he had an “extensive” criminal record and had a history of “noncompliance and ongoing domestic violence”.

“There are of recent times domestic related matters, common assault, contravene AVO, actual bodily harm,” Mr McNaulty said.

Jihad Hourani Bankstown Court on Thursday.

Reading from the police fact sheet, Mr McNaulty said upon being released from custody, Hourani continued to reside with his partner despite being served with an apprehended domestic violence order.

“There were a number of arguments that occurred in June and text messages exchanged between parties,” he said.

“Some threats were made, suggesting that the victim was being tracked and he (Hourani) was aware of her whereabouts.”

Mr McNaulty said the texts continued until the alleged victim reported the matter to police which was “designed to put fear” in the alleged victim’s mind.

The man allegedly sent threatening text messages.

When questioned by officers, Hourani said the alleged victim “takes everything personally, it’s her problem” when he would send her messages, including “shut up you idiot”.

According to court documents, police allege Hourani stalked the woman in Narellan Vale between June and July and used a mobile phone “in such a way that reasonable persons would regard that use as being menacing, harassing or offensive”.

Hourani’s lawyer, Vincent Cataldi who was assisting legal aid, said his client had evidence on his phone that hadn’t been disclosed to police and needed to care for his sick mother.

“His concern is if he’s not at liberty that evidence will never come before court,” Mr Vincent said.

He further proposed for his client to report to Bankstown police station daily and would reside in Bankstown – 45 minutes away from the victim.

The prosecution opposed bail, as the argument of Hourani looking after his mother was “inconsistent with someone who has been in and out of jail” for the last few years.

Hourani’s matter was adjourned to August 1 at Bankstown Local Court.