Abuzar Sultani: Court reveals hitman’s childhood in Western Sydney

Abuzar Sultani grew up in a loving family in Western Sydney but early brushes with the law were a sign of things to come.

There were no signs Abuzar Sultani was a serial killer in the making.

Born in Western Sydney and raised by his immigrant parents who fled Afghanistan in the 80s Sultani grew up in a loving family in Westmead before moving to Merrylands.

Sultani’s brushes with the law really began when he and a group of seven others got caught in a botched attempt to steal an ATM.

The court was told Sultani and the others, most of whom he knew from his days at Parramatta High School stole a HiAce van and a car from a Red Spot Rental at Mascot where some of them worked.

Abuzar Sultani has pleaded guilty to three underworld murders.

Abuzar Sultani.

They planned to steal an ATM from a shopping centre at Glenmore Park near Penrith in the early hours of the morning on June 12, 2007.

Sultani drove the HiAce van through the mall doors while one of the others smashed a Toyota Kluger into an ATM knocking it on its side, where the whole group loaded it into the HiAce van.

As Sultani drove out of the mall he smashed into a post jamming the van forcing them to flee, leaving behind the van and a booty of $17,000. Police eventually caught most of them, including Sultani, in a park nearby.

In a sign of things to come, all of his co-accused made statements about the robbery except Sultani.

He didn’t say a word and pleaded guilty to aggravated break and enter when he appeared in Penrith District Court on February 8, 2008.

Abs Sultani in Rebels colours.

Even now, when facing masses amounts of evidence he will not make statements or implicate anyone else, instinctively adhering to the criminal code of don't rat on your mates.

A report by psychiatrist John Taylor following the 2007 incident obtained from the court file gives an insight into the then-teenager as he spent his first stint in Silverwater jail: “He described his family as being very stable and said he has always had a reasonably close relationship with his parents. The only significant problem was his dad suffers from diabetes and has medical problems.”

He was still living at home prior to going to jail.

Abuzar left school at 17 when in year 12. He left in April of that year because: ‘I didn’t know what I wanted’’.

He returned to school at the beginning of 2007 as he realised that he needed the HSC to gain entry to many careers. He said he was above average in maths and English.

He said he had sufficient friends when at school and had no socialisation problems. He did say although he had been frequently felt lonely.

He didn’t have any disciplinary problems until year 8. He was suspended for teasing another student.

He was arrested at an Olympic Park unit block on November 29, 2016.

In year 11 and 12 he was suspended on three occasions for fighting. He said he didn’t start fights. Abuzar said he had bad acne in 2006 but was otherwise healthy.

He said he never had much confidence in himself and that his acne in 2006 made this worse. He was always been sensitive to criticism and said “that’s why I got into fights. I didn't know how else to react. I don't know what to say if you don't do something you feel bad and angry at yourself. He stated that his having to repeat year 12 caused further loss of confidence. He said he dealt with this by ‘blocking my feelings and putting on an act’.

He said he became depressed and I use to make fun of people because it made me feel better’.

Abuzar stated he never consumed alcohol or drugs.

This is Abuzar’s first time in jail following his arrest for present offences. He is to apply for bail so he can continue and obtain his HSC. He is hopeful of attending university to study business and commerce. He said if given bail he would live at home with his family and not see co-accused.

Since being in jail he has done a considerable amount of reflection on his past behaviour.
‘The last time I got a suspended sentence – this time I’m in jail. A life of crime is not for me … its not worth it … that life goes against the sort of life I want. I have never realised that but now I understand it.’

He said he will attend court if given bail.

‘I can’t keep running away from my problems. It would eventually catch up with me.’

He said he would like to get counselling if bailed.

‘There are some things I don’t understand like my confidence issues.’

He said he has no desire to self harm and if bailed has no reason to harm anyone else.

The likelihood of Abuzar committing any criminal offence in the future was discussed.

He emphatically stated he does not believe he will reoffend and said he has greater understanding of the consequences of his becoming involved in illegal behaviour. He also stated that his goals in life are incompatible with committing a criminal offence.

He has support of his parents and extended family.

He stated in future he wants to attend university and then go into developing a business career.